Crankshaft Winter Part 4


You and your friends spent a good hour watching over the poor construct. Targe and Spice walked in and out of the room, making preparations for you and Dotty to go out. Dotty kept you company the entire time.

After a long wait, you started to see the construct stir a bit.

For some reason you were really relieved to see him okay despite being him a total stranger to you.

At least, you were pretty sure he was a complete stranger.

He managed to sit himself up.


Lex: Hey, how are you doing?

The construct made a vague noise.


Lex: That good or bad?

???: It's hard to say. Being out in a storm like that was a bit much for me…

Lex: I'd say, all you've got on is a sweater.

???: Mm.

Lex: So uh… you got a name?

The construct's face seemed to sadden a little.


???: DOP… I suppose this is the first time we've met then.

Lex: Yeah, I think so unless you're like an old school buddy or something.

DOP: Never been, didn't really have a need for a formal education or even the option…

Dotty: I mean hey, I don't have much of a formal anything either. Least I don't remember any of it.

DOP tilted his head at the sight of your friend a little.


DOP: You had standard rancher unit training did you not?

Dotty: I mean yeah… but I don't remember any of that these days….

DOP: By these days you're an old vintage model yes?

Dotty: You're making me sound so old…

DOP: That wasn't my intent at all! I just wonder… are you by any chance familiar with a Dorothy?

Dotty: I'm a Dorothy… why?

DOP: Dorothy the Knight?

Dotty: Used to be. I think.

DOP: You think?

Dotty: My memory got jacked up after a point so I don't remember things too well…

DOP: Ah…. do you by any chance remember me?

Dotty: Not really honestly.

DOP: I see…

Dotty: I'm sorry. Wish I could remember more but most of back then is gone.

DOP: Do you still work for Mori at least?

Dotty: Like THE Mori? If I did I REALLY don't remember that. Nobody from back then really talks to me and I can't blame them. I'm not really their old friend anymore.

DOP: …They abandoned you?

Dotty: Don't put it like that, you're gonna make me depressed. They just kind of moved on so whatever. Besides, I got people around. Got my favorite people right here.

She nudged your shoulder.


Lex: Aww….

Dotty: In this case, literally people.

Awww….


Lex: I guess I am people.

DOP: Still, You had so many people in your life back then… where are they?

Dotty: My guess? They're avoiding me or just… gone.

DOP slumped in his seat a little.

It might have been a little too much for him to process.


Lex: You gonna be okay?

DOP: Quite a bit to take in.

Lex: I get you. Take your time for now.

DOP: Mm… I'll just have to figure it out I suppose.

Targe interrupted your conversation.




Targe: So, the weather has died down enough that going out soon might be a good idea. I take it you two are going?

Lex: Yeah, of course.

Dotty: Mmhmm. Are we doing this now?

Targe: Good.

He tossed the two of you a set of cowls.


Lex: Are these gonna be enough?

Dotty: Yeah, these seem kinda thin.

Targe: It's not about the warmth with these, it's about protecting you from supernatural elements. Besides if the snow is as cursed as we think it is, this should be enough right?

Lex: I guess….

Targe: Fiend silk insulates pretty well so it should be good and you shouldn't be weighed down too bad. We'll take care of uh….

DOP: DOP, just call me DOP for now.

Targe: Right. We'll take care of you while we investigate.

DOP: I think I should go actually… I spotted the thing that dragged me into this world. You'll be with few leads if I don't join you…

Dotty: You sure? You were pretty rough just a minute ago.

DOP nodded at the three of you.

Targe tossed DOP a third coat.


Targe: I was gonna go myself but the three of you got a better spot. Besides, I can't leave Spice as the sole operator you know? He's baking right now, don't need him running off to check on cookies or something in the middle of this.

DOP: Thank you, I promise you're making the right choice here.

Targe handed you a backpack.


Lex: What's all this?

Targe: Interfacing. Arms, radio, and radar. The big three to any sort of monster hunt. I'll explain-

Lex: You'll teach me on the way.

You got up and put the cloak on. Dotty follows suit.


Targe: Excuse me?

Lex: We have no idea how long the storm will calm down right? So I'm going out right away.

Dotty: Yeah she's got a point here, we're burning time.

Targe: Guess so….. you two gonna be able to follow instructions fine? Or three I guess.

Lex: Yeah. I'm familiar with some of this anyway so… should be fine.

Dotty: Same. Not like we'll run into it right away. Heck, odds are the local gods might end up handling it you know?

Lex: Yeah, it'd be weird if they didn't step in. Anyway..

You got the backpack on and pulled out the walkie. The three of you paced toward the door.


Lex: Just talk to me on the way. I'm heading out.

Targe: You three stay safe yeah? I don’t want to hear that any of ya’ll got hurt out there.

Dotty: We will.

You opened up the door and felt the immediate rush of cold.

The snow was above your ankles.

It was actually kind of pretty…. You’d never seen this much before…

You looked at the horizon. Unnaturally dark clouds. Like a void in the sky. That was your lead.