I'm playing Frostpunk in Arknights

"Intelligence?"

In the main game of Frostpunk, extreme weather made external threats irrelevant in the "New Home" scenario. But now, in Ursus, the biggest threat comes from the stationed military forces nearby.

"Yeah, since Patriot left, we need intelligence on the nearby garrisons," Talulah, a seasoned fighter, naturally took up this responsibility. Alina added, "If we're discovered by the military, our only option might be to flee south."

The Energy Tower indeed needed to form a patrol team to scout outside the canyon. Wang Zhan opened the adjustment decree menu but, as expected, found no similar decree available.

"Just another shortfall in the game design," he muttered, jotting the thought down in his phone's notes for feedback to the developers later. For now, he decided to have Alina and Talulah discuss using surplus manpower to form a temporary patrol.

---

Talulah strode through the snow, passing the newly built mess hall. She distinctly remembered there wasn't a building there this morning. It looked like… a canteen?

Since it was near the Energy Tower, it was likely the handiwork of the "Tower Master."

Alina, standing beneath the Tower, waved at Talulah, who cheerfully returned the gesture before heading down. As she approached, she noticed three new camps around the Tower.

Each camp had a bonfire surrounded by five tents and some scattered supplies. Just seeing these arrangements brought an unexpected sense of comfort.

"How has so much changed around the Energy Tower in just one morning?"

"These are provisions from the Energy Tower Master," Alina replied with a proud smile. "The larger green building is a mess hall. Finally, we'll all have a proper meal."

Talulah saw Alina's face radiating happiness and couldn't help but feel the same. "Be sure to thank him for me."

Alina had mentioned before that the Energy Tower would meet their basic needs, but Talulah hadn't expected it to happen so quickly. The tents alone were comparable to proper accommodations.

And this was just the first morning. The Energy Tower Master's efficiency was incredible.

"These camps are for the infected, right? But there are only three so far..."

"Yes. The Energy Tower Master plans to meet immediate needs first," Alina explained. "But he's running low on wood, so more tents will come tonight. Food, however, might not last a few days, so he wanted to know where you got the food you brought."

At that, Talulah remembered the three warriors behind her, still carrying sacks of provisions. The three had been circling the mess hall, peering in through windows but hesitating to enter, clearly overwhelmed by the unfamiliar sight.

Talulah found it amusing and shouted, "Enough gawking! Put the food in storage and go explore properly if you're that curious."

"Got it, Talulah," one warrior replied sheepishly, coughing to hide his embarrassment. "I was just checking for dangers."

"Sure, sure. Just get on with it."

Turning back to Alina, Talulah sensed the Energy Tower Master's attention on her as well. "I did a quick round of the area, caught up with some old contacts, and traded for some food."

"You spent your Victorian coins?"

"Just some of them. They'd be useless sitting around anyway," Talulah brushed off the question, eager to shift topics before Alina could start lecturing. "Why does the Energy Tower Master want to know?"

---

If it only took half a day's journey, the source of the food couldn't be far.

"The Energy Tower currently has enough food for four days," Wang Zhan explained through Alina. "While I can construct a Hunter's Hut, more people will soon arrive here."

In extreme weather, structures like the Hunter's Hut and Greenhouse would become inoperable, leaving the Energy Tower unable to produce food, leading to starvation.

Wang Zhan, with his resource-hoarding tendencies, could hardly tolerate the idea of not stockpiling food to capacity. Identifying stable food sources now would alleviate the strain from a sudden population increase later.

Since Talulah had managed to purchase provisions nearby, Wang Zhan considered using existing resources to barter for more food as a contingency plan.

"I understand," Talulah said thoughtfully. "You want to establish trade relations with nearby villages or find places like fisheries?"

Alina relayed Wang Zhan's confirmation. "Yes, the Energy Tower Master believes that while the food supply can last four days, it's insufficient in the long run."

"Understood," Talulah replied with determination. "Give me some time. I'll handle negotiations with the nearby villages."

Still, such negotiations would require the Tower to offer resources attractive enough for trade. Wang Zhan decided it was time to prioritize constructing a Workshop.

---

"I also suggest forming a patrol team," Talulah added. "The nearest garrison has been recalling conscripts stationed on the tundra. They might be planning something."

What was the military up to?

Wang Zhan, unfamiliar with Terra's geopolitical landscape, could only speculate. If it was due to foreign threats, the recall might signal preparations for war. But if it was for internal matters... caution was warranted.

"Remember those four infected from this morning?"

Talulah immediately caught on, a sly smile playing at her lips. "I remember. You want them on patrol? But they might seize the chance to escape."

These four were laborers under her supervision. While morale was high now, their loyalty wasn't guaranteed. Talulah knew the risks of sending them out alone: escape, or worse, betrayal.

"Don't worry," Wang Zhan reassured. "They won't leave the Energy Tower."

Talulah raised an eyebrow, impressed by his confidence. Though she didn't know about the Hope and Discontent systems, she considered the practicality of her idea.

"How about this: I'll assign a trusted warrior to lead them and teach them how to cover their tracks and stay hidden. Would that work?"

Wang Zhan silently praised her experience. While the infected wouldn't betray him, their lack of expertise could easily turn a patrol into a disaster.

"That's an excellent suggestion. Let's proceed with your plan."

Pleased with his approval, Talulah grinned. "Good. I'll get it organized."

---

"Talulah! We've stored the food," one of the warriors called out, his voice tinged with excitement. "There's so much of it! Can we finally have a full meal today?"

"Of course. But first, I've got a tough job for you."

"Anything, as long as we're fed!" the warrior replied with a hearty laugh. "What do you need me to do?"

"Remember the four troublemakers from this morning? You're taking them on patrol."

"Wait, what?!"