beeboop

So we know all Hearthians are pretty much in the same spot when the supernova happens (stationary NPCs kind of situation y'know). I'd like to think that instead, they'd start moving around and do their own thing after Hatchy has launched?

And like. We know Hornfels is in the Observatory when we leave (although they go to see the statue after we've left), but what if they went back up to grab some supplies to write down notes, and the moment they get there their instruments start blaring at them? About "abnormal solar activity"?

And they settle down for a second, thinking it might just be a small electrical issue with their stuff (they tend to happen often), but they they check the readings. And realize something off is happening. And the readings aren't getting any better. They contact Chert. Ask if they've noticed anything wrong going on up there. And I'd think this would be like- close to the middle of the loop so Chert HAS been noticing things by then. Like the multiple supernovae happening.

And Hornfels gulps. Because they also know that isn't a good sign. "… What about our sun? Have you noticed anything… Unusual?"

"Well, I…"

Chert pauses. Hornfels hears them exhale a small shaky sigh.

"… There's… Something is going on on its surface. But it's… It can't be, right? It's gotta be just a passing thing, nothing too serious… I'm… It can't be more than that."

Hornfels gulps again. They tell Chert to update them as regularly as possible, checking on the readings again and seeing them not get any better still. They know something is coming. Something bad, really bad. They haven't jumped to the worst conclusion yet (even if it's been sitting in the back of their mind now), but they know they've gotta prepare for the worse.

After that, I think they'd call over the OWV members who are closest (Gossan, Slate, and Esker who's been called over from the moon base) and Rutile to set up an evacuation plan. Hornfels is not sure about their theory but… If they can somewhat help everyone, it's worth a shot.

First suggestion is to take everyone to the Zero Gravity cave. It's underground, it's big enough for everyone, and it's the closest spot to get every Hearthian on the planet somewhere safe. But they can't close the cave's opening, and they don't have enough time to figure out how to. Then someone mentions the geysers. And they remember the Nomai caves. They're not sure if the door could handle whatever is going to happen, but they know it will close.

So it's decided. An evacuation order is delivered throughout town, and another is transferred to the remaining members of OWV that are still out in space to find shelter as soon as possible.

Rutile is in charge of gathering everyone in a specific point in town. One easy of access, and also the one closest to the path towards the caves. It takes a little while, having to explain it to everyone as "there might be a powerful solar eruption soon" and this is a "new safety precaution for the future, just in case".

After everyone is gathered, Gossan, Slate and Esker are tasked to guide everyone to the caves as fast as possible. Hornfels stays a bit behind but follows, keeping their hand on their walkie talkie to listen to Chert's updates on the situation which, of course, are getting worse and worse. And Hornfels can tell by themself. They've been keeping an eye on the sun during every rotation since the first alarm blared and they've noticed it's changed. Too much for it to simply just be "abnormal solar activity". They start feeling panic overtake their senses, but they know they've gotta keep their head straight. It's important this evacuation operation goes as smoothly as possible, as they'd rather avoid panic amongst the crowd.

It's close to the end of the loop when they get to the mines, open the door, enter, and close it. I think they'd have prepared to bring everyone to the furthest point of the mines to get them away from the door (minimize damage… hopefully), so Gossan is equipped with a jetpack to carry people there. So are Slate, Hal and Marl.

Hornfels is the last to join them, having stayed by the door to listen to Chert's increasingly freaked-out reports. Until the very end. Where they ask Hornfels that they stay on the walkie talkie with them. Gossan is close by, trying to get them to get away from the door. They can't move. They don't want to leave them alone.

Then a low noise resonates behind the closed door. And there's a slight noise, the beginning of a sentence, or a word, or an apology on the other end of the walkie talkie… before Chert's line goes silent. Hornfels stares at the door in horror, as Gossan drags them away from it.

… I think everyone holds onto each other when they realize what's happening outside. For the last few seconds before the end. As the walls of the caves start to shake more and more.