Clink! The last part had been removed. Hours of hard work paid off; he managed to disassemble the gun, successfully separating it into several components. Every piece was casually laid out on the desk, with most of them pushed to one side.
It hadn't been easy. He had no prior experience with this, and the gun was not a simple firearm that could be easily disassembled even without the use of tools. Initially, he was akin to a child learning how to play jigsaw puzzles for the first time.
No. 44 rejoiced after completing the task. He rose from his seat and enthusiastically pounded the table with his palm several times before raising his fist in the air. However, his excitement waned quickly. He slumped back into the chair, and the sense of accomplishment faded, replaced by disappointment as he realized that he lacked specific knowledge about the gun's parts and their functions.
...what was the point of it all? I can not postpone the exploration any longer; I must find a way to get the information I need. Only then will I be satisfied. What should I do after I get what I want? I haven't thought that far ahead. The answer to that will likely depend on whether I obtain sufficient information.
The puppet glanced towards the door and thought: And the answer lies beyond that door.
Creek...
No. 44 closed the door slowly as he stepped out into the corridor. He glanced left, then right. Facing his door, the corridor to the right would lead him back to the office, but he had never ventured toward the left. It might just be an extended hallway of chambers, but what lay beyond that?
Step, step... It would be a long walk, and he was uncertain of what he might encounter. Everything in the long corridor appeared identical: the same pattern of cogwheels, the same design, the same layout, the same pipes, and identical lights. It seemed to stretch endlessly, and time seemed to drag as he made his way through it.
This design is affecting my mind. It reminds me of... A dark hallway, reminiscent of the one in front of him, suddenly flashed, overlapping with reality. If he had the ability to sweat, he would have been sweating buckets. This suffocating feeling... His body had become wobbly; he was still walking, but his pace had slowed down significantly.
A never-ending corridor in the field of my imagination... He began to hum a tune as he sang the words in his head: an unending trail of doors; in the field of my imagination, blood all across the floor; in the field of my imagination, a body racked with sores; in the field of my imagination, my eyes are a blur; in the field of my imagination... la la-la la-la, la la-la la-la la-la... A never-ending corridor in the field of my imagination, an unending trail of doors; in the field of my imagination…
The never-ending corridor persisted for a while, and he lost track of how many times he had repeated the tune until he reached, a body racked with sores in the field of my—at last, he spotted an end to the corridor in the distance. He broke free from his thoughts as the growing sounds of churning reached his ears. Aside from that, water? There was the sound of rushing water, or was it something else? And what was that distinct smell?
He regained his vitality and strength; he shook off his lethargy and threaded through the corridor, reaching several passages. This newfound area gave him a breath of fresh air. His vision was clearer, and his mind was no longer muddled with thoughts.
He encountered locked gates on his way, but his journey soon led him to a room of monumental proportions. Gigantic pipes of varying lengths and widths detailed the otherwise mundane wall of copper and tarnished brass. Large circular vents were placed haphazardly, expelling billowing hot steam into the air.
The floor was situated several levels below; it consisted of a grid pattern with thousands of cogwheels and gears that were tirelessly shifting and turning beneath it. Above were massive ventilation fans that hung from the ceiling, which helped in maintaining a cooler temperature and circulating the air. The space was teeming with complex contraptions, including meters, clocks, and wheels, lining the back wall.
Lamps and bulbs illuminated the area, and wires and tubes snaked along the walls. Conveyor belts carried coal and other materials, while tubes were filled with dark oil that was being pumped into sizable tubs at high temperatures. Multiple levels of walkways created a labyrinthine network, extending both upward and downward.
Everything was being managed by a legion of puppets in brown garments, each puppet playing its part in the maintenance and operation of the ship. It seems that I have severely underestimated the size of this ship. This isn't exactly what I was hoping to find, but this could be a sign that I'm getting somewhere.
No. 44 began to walk through a pathway suspended in the air, held by chains attached to the ceiling. As he proceeded through the passage, he noticed cracks, broken parts of the walls that were being patched up, and scaffolding. This was one of the areas that were attacked by the enemy yesterday. That makes sense. This should be a vulnerable point; why isn't there more security than there should be?
After exiting, he seemed to have entered an area that was still undergoing construction. Wood, metal, and bricks were stacked up on the side. All he could see was the basic structure or frame of the building, stairs and scaffolding, familiar machinery, and vehicles carrying tools and materials. However, there weren't any puppets around; it seems that construction has been temporarily delayed due to the recent attack. Seeing as there wasn't much to observe, No. 44 left the area and went to another corridor.
As he navigated through it, he found himself in an area with different architectural styles; this was the style he was most familiar with. The floor of the main hall was composed of polished marble; it echoes with the sounds of synchronized footsteps. The high, vaulted ceilings, arching overhead, were supported by pillars, while soft ambient lighting from chandeliers bathed the room in a warm glow.
A web of railway tracks fans out like arteries, each gleaming steel rail leading to distant destinations. The platforms are long, probably meant to accommodate multiple trains at once. Overhead, a network of steel beams and rafters supports a canopy. This main hall is where the passengers are eagerly waiting for the train's arrival. These 'passengers', however, are non-living puppets.
Alongside the platforms, a series of tracks crisscross in a complex pattern, and signal lights stand tall, guiding the way. The station's iconic clock, an important fixture, ensures that schedules are kept. Several boards display departure and arrival times, while speakers announce platform changes. The air is punctuated by the sound of departing trains as their engines hum and shrill whistles pierce the air.
There were still elements such as cogwheels and steam, but their presence isn't as prominent here as in the rest of the ship. These are called 'trains,' I believe! I've seen them before! They have it here as well. What puzzles me is: why is there a need for a large transportation network here inside a ship? Now that I think about it, this place is more like a city than a ship.
The puppets were not paying attention to him; they were simply standing still, waiting for an announcement. No. 44 paid them no mind as well, proceeding to look through the boards. He memorized the locations and spent some time contemplating. Industrial area I, II, III, IV. Engine I, II, III... West Station, East Station, Central Station, North Station, South Station, Section I, II, III, IV... Main office, Records office,... Commercial zone, there are so many places.
Would it be alright if I came for a ride? But where to? I don't have a map, and I don't know where these places lead. Truly, I've underestimated the size of this ship! Saying it once is not enough... I can consider checking the main office or the records office if I want information, but I'm not sure what I'll find there...
As he was deep in thought, an announcement resonated from the speakers: "May I have your attention, please? We are pleased to announce the departure of our train heading to Central Station. All passengers, please make your way to Platform 2, where the train will be ready to depart shortly."
The central station it is then. I'll see how this goes. If it's 'central' then obviously, it would have the most important parts of the ship, right? And what's more important than information? Hence, this must be the place where they keep valuable data. He thought as he walked into a line of puppets, lining up to board the train on platform 2.
The puppets were mostly dressed in brown garments; others wore black and blue, while some had the same white suit he had, which was composed of a white double-breasted vest, a white linen shirt underneath, a white necktie, white loose trousers, and a white coat hanging from his left shoulder, secured to his vest by a gold chain link.
Some puppets also had purple, green, pink, red, and grey garments, but this was the first time No. 44 saw them and had no idea what their purpose was. For those in white garments, they represent white-collar dolls; the blue ones are, obviously, blue-collar dolls. The ones in brown work in areas such as that place that No. 44 had just been in, while the ones in black garments were soldier dolls.
While lining up, No. 44 noticed that the puppets were lining up based on their colors. He debated if he should line up with the other white-collar puppets, but he didn't need to, because, seeing as he was not moving from his position, the white-collar puppets moved behind him instead.
...I was trying to stay low-key.
Ssphhss! The doors of the train opened, and the puppets began to board. They were very time-efficient; it didn't take long before No. 44 was inside. As he got on the train, he immediately noticed that it was also color-coded. He found the right wagon and found himself a seat, which was beside a window. The puppet who followed behind him sat next to him.
...you aren't No. 43; I don't allow you to sit next to me. Sigh. They don't care anyway, so they won't notice that I'm not supposed to be here.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now moments away from departing for Central Station. We kindly ask that all passengers who have not yet boarded please do so now, as we will be closing the doors shortly.
Once on board, please make yourselves comfortable in your seats and ensure that your luggage is securely stowed in the designated areas. For your safety, please remain seated while the train is in motion and keep all personal belongings secured."
What is the point of this? Everyone aboard is a puppet... To make it seem like an actual functioning city? It already is, though it does not contain much life.
A few moments later, the doors closed, and an announcement was made again. Shortly after, the train began to move. As the train went into motion, it came alive with a blend of sights and sounds. The rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels meeting the rails was audible, and the sound was almost soothing to hear. The train's engine continues to emit a low, continuous hum.
Looking out the windows, the world outside becomes a rapidly shifting panorama. The landscape had gone through multiple changes. The scenery outside goes through shifts as the train continues its course along the tracks; it weaves through curves and tunnels, crosses bridges, and approaches stations.