SURVIVORS
Chapters 9. Discussion (revision)
Robert and Sunil walked through the snowflakes that fell one by one. The snow started to subside, but the cold was completely bone-chilling.
Robert covered his head and neck with a cloth. They walked together and looked around looking for dead tree trunks to make firewood. They passed through a broken fuselage that was rolled over. The place was barely visible because it was covered with nearly half the snow.
Because they did not find any more dead trees in the surrounding area, they finally decided to cut down a single tree. The tree was dragged to a shelter and would be cut there.
Arriving at the shelter, some people were already up and sitting by the fire. Dean just got a checkup from Chandra's doctor.
Silvia helped check the wounds of other people. Indra and Michael soon took over to cut the wood and collect twigs full of leaves. Now they have enough firewood stock this morning.
Meanwhile the women gathered chatting and trying to prepare a warm breakfast. There was an instant noodle they found last night.
Widuri's approaching Dean..
"We're running out of bottled water. Do you know where the water source is?" ask in a low voice.
Dean nodded..
"Where's the container? I'll show you the source of the water" Dean replied with a stifled smile.
Widuri went to the pantry rack and took out 2 pots of stainles then followed Dean.
They walked a little far from the plane. Dean stopped near a completely new snow mound with no trace of anything left on its surface. It was a pile of snow that fell during the rain last night, still very soft and smooth.
Dean put the snow in the pot and packed it to the brim. He handed the pancil to Widuri whose face began to turn red.
"Heat this, then it'll be water" Dean's smile grew wide.
"Ahh, yes... yes...why can I forget that snow is a source of water?" Widuri downcast shy.
"Okay, I'll collect it. Thank you," said Widuri quickly.
Dean waited for him with a smile. Then they'll be right back.
Near the furnace, Laras, Niken and Angelina prepared 13 packs of instant noodles of various types. There's a can of cornet, some sausages and a pack of abons. Their work is nimble, so breakfast can be served quickly.
Everyone was grateful for the warm meal that was served this morning. At least the stomach can be filled, so there will be energy for daily activities later.
They might have to work hard today. The food supply was up, so they had to start searching. All ate in silence, until Niken's voice broke the silence.
"Hi, see you back with Niken here. This time I recorded the activities of our passengers on the plane who survived. Today is the second day. But yesterday I was too shocked so it was unthinkable to record the great things that men do to make shelter."
Niken talks to the camera on himself. He kept recording people eating.
"We're enjoying a nice breakfast here. Guess what, in this cold snowy air is best to eat? Yeah.huh...! Hot instant noodles!" he said to the camera while showing his breakfast plate and then started bribing.
"Hmmmm, this is so good."
"Thank you to Laras, Widuri and Angel who have prepared a warm breakfast for all of us" he said, pointing the camera at Laras and Widuri sitting next to each other.
Baras waved at the camera with his sweet smile. Widuri only took a quick glance then nodded and continued eating.
Dean saw Niken's behavior from afar. Is he a vlogger or youtuber? Dean smiles. That's good if the cheerfulness can reduce the stress level of the victims.
On the other hand, Robert was having a casual chat with doctor Chandra while enjoying their breakfast.
After breakfast, Dr. Chandra calls everyone's attention to gather. They should discuss the circumstances they are facing and the next steps.
They walked towards Dean and Robert who were making a fire in an empty area in front of the cabin.
Dean allows Robert to talk, but Robert refuses and lets Dean take over. Dean nodded.
"I'm Dean Whittman. We are just discussing the steps we are taking in this situation. I saw 21 survivors: 12 men and 9 women. You can all express your opinion. Take turns, starting from the right. Who do not issue an opinion I consider approving the final decision."
Dean turned his hand to the right to let.
"I'm doctor Chandra. After one day, I think it is impossible to wait for the rescue team here. We need to take the initiative to seek help.
The first reason, most of us actually get hurt but try to ignore it to keep helping others until we get through last night safely."
"The second reason is, the rescue team is unlikely to suspect we are stranded in a snowy place like this because there is no area with a winter between Indonesia and Singapore. So they're not gonna make it here."
"The third reason, most of us are unprepared and inexperienced living in this weather. Moreover, it had to survive in the wild in the winter as it is now. We have no food supply, no clothes and adequate protection. People who are injured in the disease should immediately receive proper treatment. My opinion is like that." said Dr. Chandra.
Dean nodded then turned his gaze to the middle-aged woman next to Doctor Chandra. The woman nodded her head.
"I'm Marianne. I agree with Dr. Chandra. I don't think this area is in Southeast Asia. We were thrown away from the flight path. Possibly Central Asia, Europe or North America. So we better walk out of the forest and look for the house of the nearest resident or village to inform our situation."
As soon as they keep alternating they express opinions. Some agree that some do not. More people are worried because of confusion. Then it was Robert's turn to speak.
"I'm Robert. I know this situation is difficult and surprising. But we can't drag on in trauma and grief because we have to understand situations with a clear mind."
"Because there is a difference of opinion then I think we can divide the group. The group that wanted to seek help as well as the group that wanted to stay and wait for the rescue team to come."
"So try to raise a hand that wants to stay here" asked Robert. There were only 2 people who raised their hands and they were shocked themselves.
Robert returned to his words...
"Do not worry, for those who want to stay, we will strengthen your shelter. But the food supply, you have to try it yourself."
Robert let Dean talk.
"So it has been decided, today we are staying here while preparing the necessities for tomorrow. Before doing activities, it is better to change clothes that are more comfortable and warm. Now we're on duty. The ones looking for food supply for the night are Miss Laras, Widuri, Niken, Marianne, Sunil and Alan."
Finished Dean said, the six of them stood up leaving the bonfire. Dean approached Widuri and spoke for a while. Widuri.
"Just take 2 pieces. And here, supplies for you," Widuri said as she pulled something out of her bag and thrust it at Dean. Dean nodded then sat back down to his place.
"The ones looking for firewood are Miss Angelina, Silvia, Dewi, Lena, Nastiti. Look for dead trees and twigs, they're easier to burn" Dean explained.
When the other four women were already standing, Lena was still sitting quietly in her place. Dean scrunched his forehead.
"Those who don't do their job, can't get their dinner rations. The forest is not a laze!" dean continued mercilessly.
Lena got up with a grunt. Huhh! His whole life he was always spoiled. She is the beloved daughter of her parents. Let alone looking for firewood, to tidy up his bed only there are servants who work. Peeling fruit to eat also some do. Alex stands up to help Lena, but Dean is arrested.
"Wait for Alex, your job is different."
"Alex, Michael, Gilang and Toni go in search of tree trunks to strengthen our protection. Here's a saw, use caution. Because this is our only tool."
Dean handed over the folding saw he was holding.
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