Chapter Text
Auxiliary:
providing supplementary or additional help and support.
Just a click here and wiring there and this should give the generator more time… even if small. A Boogie Bot stares up at the scanner, glowing red against his green casing.
“Auxillery power was never meant to last this long…” he muttered to himself, claws tapping against his palm. The generator itself was made to keep the jailers safe until extraction, but safe to say that ‘extraction’ now would be a death sentence to everyone in these walls. A decade without proper maintenance or replacement, It was a miracle it even worked when they moved in!
The toy’s tracks paced in circles as if it could trigger an idea. There wasn’t any fuel anywhere around The Shelf that Doey could get to, let alone any other toy. Safe Haven relied on the supplies brought from Playcare but now no one knew if their allies up there were even alive.
“The Doctor has to have some way of keeping The Prison powered. Where is he getting the fuel- it’s from A Better Place isn’t it?! We could try alternative fuel… Would organic work?- like with fires? No- No we shouldn’t, low on food as it is and who knows if it would even work!” A sigh came from the Boogie Bot’s voice box, strained on the verge of tears that could never come. “Think… Just. Think! There has to be some way to fix this! If there’s a will there's a way, c’mon E-”
“Engineer?” Just outside the doorway was Scout, pushing a small crate inside.
“Did they find any fuel-”
“No… All dry.” She sighed. “Any luck with the generator?” Scout glanced at the tread tracks Engineer left in the dust.
“No.” He answered quickly, strained without inflection. “I was able to get it to last, maybe an extra day? But that's just a day! A day, Scout!” Engineer cupped his screen with his palms, cycling through ‘breaths’ like Medic advised.
“What was Doey able to find this time?” He whispered after a moment, keeping his eyes on the crate. Just the average box in a factory like this, bright colours and faux innocence. Playtime Co. plastered on the side. “Was he able to get any food too? I’ve heard some have been getting-”
“Just wires and whatever components he could find. As for food he was able to get something, though looking at it now I don’t even know what it could have been.” Scout didn’t let him finish the thought, just gesturing out to Safe Haven’s main room. “You’ve missed enough meals, eat for once.”
“But I havn’t-”
“You can’t fix the generator if you starve.” She sighed, Engineer wasn’t one to eat, as a Boogie Bot they didn’t really taste anything so the only reason they ate was to stave off starving. Even then, he could barely tell what was starvation and what wasn’t anymore. She gestured out before rolling off, leaving Engineer sitting there. He took a quick look at the generator again before following after her.
The light, while not too bright, made the pressure behind his eyes much more noticeable. He lifted a claw to shield himself from the ache but it didn’t dissipate. The painted paths around Safe Haven guided him to their makeshift ‘Store’ full of good ‘Goods’. In other words, anything they could find that could be helpful. Engineer knew how to get there without the paths of course, everyone did, but the routine of it gave him a small comfort. Like everything was going to stay the same, where the generator would run endlessly.
Scout was already there with Izzy in toe, the latter excitedly asking the lime-eyed Boogie Bot about her scouting. Already holding 2 bowls of… something, one for herself and the other for the Bobby Bearhug. Engineer rolled himself to the table, antenna only just peaking past. “No doubles Scout!” Said the toy on the other side.
“Engineer” He corrected, tone just slightly disappointed. He couldn’t really blame whoever it was, it wasn’t like he came out of the generator room that often, or even socialized outside of asking about supplies.
“Oh… Sorry.” They slipped a bowl down to one of the stools, where he could grab it with little difficulty before making his way to an adjacent pillar. Same one he always goes to.
He stared at the bowls contents, it was practically mush now but its red hue gave him a vivid idea of what it used to be. Engineer couldn’t help but wonder if it were one of their own before pushing the thought away. Doey wouldn’t do that to them. ‘I should be lucky,’ he thought to himself ‘That I don’t have to taste it.’
Holding the bowl in his palm he carefully lifted his battery hatch up, just need the right angle and it should go down quick. Couldn’t they have made this easier? No one can see out the back of their head! Engineer was slow with the intake, not wanting to let any of it fall to the floor and waste it. He saw Izzy help Scout with it from across the room, he didn’t need help. Shouldn’t need help.
The weight of the bowl lifted, then more weight splattered into his head with enough force to shake it. He heard someone next to him “Let me help you with that.” they said. Engineer turned his head to see Doey, sitting holding the now empty bowl. ”Couldn’t get anything better, I hope you’re all okay with that.” Doey’s voice laced with something Engineer was all too familiar with: guilt for not doing better.
“No, no! I’m sure everyone’s just glad to have food at all!” Engineer sputtered. “Good food is food that keeps you from going hungry!” Doey shouldn’t feel guilty, he’s their leader, their friend. A pretty damn good one at that. This would be a good time to bring up the generator- no. Doey probably has a lot on his mind, shouldn’t worry him with things that could be fixed.
“Happy to hear that then.” He sighed. Dough molded to the pillar’s shape, keeping Doey sitting up. “Anything happen while I was out?” Engineer paused, he’d just been in the generator room this entire time, but Doey was asking him!
“Nothing that I know of…” He mumbled, “The generator doesn’t have any problems though!” except its inevitable decline. “Learn anything new?” He asked, trying to keep the conversation light.
“Y’know I don’t like looking through what’s down here” Doey sighed, lifting his hand to his own cheek. Engineer looked away to the nearby game being played by the net. Shouldn’t have asked that, should’ve known it was going to be a touchy subject- only thing down here are files and propaganda about…
“Right, Right… Sorry, Doey.” He mumbled. Trying to draw his attention away from his mistake and to try and figure out what exactly was being played by the net.
It seemed to be a team game? So maybe it was soccer or football? Engineer never really learned the difference, never cared to, when there were much more pressing matters. The players were mainly from the Smiling Critters line like most of Safe Haven these days, with a singular Huggy and Pug-a-Pillar. He looked up at Doey and saw him staring at one of the players; Hoppy Hopscotch. There was a look on his face that Engineer couldn’t place. “Still haven't heard from her?” He asked, and it seemed like a spot on guess.
“Not a word.” He whispered, careful of any of the younger toys hearing. “I’m starting to get real worried, they already lost…” Doey trailed off.
“Maybe they’re just having trouble getting down? Not everyone is as malleable as you.”
“Maybe…” Doey echoed watching the game continue, a smile emerging at the excitement and pouting as one team got a point. “Engineer?”
“Yes?”
“You said the generator didn’t have any problems right?” Doey asked, the question made the back of his screen hurt. Yeah the generator… Engineer picked up the bowl from where Doey had placed it on the floor, placing it back on the store’s shelves before rolling off into the doorway to the generator. ‘Auxiliary Power’ painted in neat writing above.
When Doey walked in and Engineer was confident enough no one else could hear, he finally spoke. “I was only able to optimise it to the point of only adding a day… I’m getting worried I’m nearing the end of how far I can stretch it without risking potential outages.” He admitted, panic seeped through his voice. “I think we might have to reduce how much of Safe Haven we inhabit… The showers for example- we don’t need them anyway do we?”
“But-” Doey went to protest but fell short of what he could say.
“Its only a temporary solution but even now, temporary solutions are what we’re left with if we don’t find anything that can fuel it longer…”
“Are you sure there isn’t anything else you can do?”
“I… don’t know… but if I try and find a solution longer we’re still bleeding power.” He glanced up at the generator, too small to see within without help from Doey. “Right now… I think right now our only option is to buy time…” Doey sighed, the type of exhale you do to calm down. “I… I can try and workshop more… but please consider it with Scout… I know she’s more knowledgeable about the specific security systems than I am.” Engineer’s voice waned, uncertain with someone of his name-sake.
“If there’s anyone who could figure it out I’m sure it's you.” Doey gave Engineer a soft pat, careful of the antenna. Engineer knew it was an attempt to calm him down, he’s been getting those attempts much more often recently, but Doey’s seeped through the dread. “You know more about all this than anyone here!”
“I don’t even remember how I know these” Engineer mumbled, though regretted it once Doey’s face dropped in understanding. He went to walk out, before turning his head to look back.
“... I’ll ask Scout about it.”
♪ ♪ ♪⁓
The infirmary was always a bleak sight, a place where you couldn’t deny what happened and where they are now. Engineer couldn’t help commend Medic for staying in here for so long, the red Boogie Bot was in here longer than Engineer was in the generator room. Toys laid on beds resting off injuries or sat on chairs waiting to be seen. Made him regret coming, Medic had other responsibilities, but the bot was the toy here that may have an idea on how to even approach the problem.
The medic himself was at the very back of the infirmary, sorting through expired medicine and used gauze for the next patient in need. “Medic?” Engineer’s voice was as quiet as he could get, even then it sliced through the air. “I…” guilt rushed through his chest, but there was no turning back now “I need to ask you a couple things…” Medic went to look at him “I’ll help with whatever you need of course! I don’t want to take up your time!”
“I need… something that could be used as a tourniquet…” Medic said, voice worn down by time & use, leaving stops in his speech. Engineer scrambled through the draws he hadn’t seen Medic check. A tourniquet is used to cut-off blood flow, right? He pulled out a frayed leather belt. “That will do…” Medic murmured, claws gripping bandages still stained with blood from the last toy who needed it. He rolled to one of the beds, Engineer following behind with nervous energy. “What did you… want to ask?”
“I…” Engineer looked to see if who Medic was treating was awake, not wanting to cause any anxiety to someone already hurt in a place like this. Though the Candy Cat seemed unconscious so he took it as a go ahead. “I’m having trouble with the generator…” He whispered “I’ve exhausted everything I can think of to make it run longer… Everyday we’re approaching-”
“Breathe…” Medic instructed.
Had he been panicking? He couldn’t tell. Engineer held the belt tight in his claws. In, 1, 2, 3, 4. Hold, 5, 6, 7. Then out at 8. He knew that it technically wasn’t breathing, being a Boogie Bot and all, but so was Medic, who was he not to trust the medic?
“I’ve hit a wall, just do you know of any other ways that could fuel it?”
Medic grabbed the bandages and wrapped it around a missing limb on the Candy Cat. Still bloody but not as messy as a critter if one lost a limb with all their stuffing. He gestured for the makeshift tourniquet, and Engineer obliged. He wrapped it around the toy's waist, tightening it to the point the plastic bent. Not effective, but it's the best they’ve got.
“You know more… about that than I do…”
“I know!” He made a surprise puff at his own volume “I know…” he repeated quieter. “It doesn’t have to be something certain… just an idea. Any idea.” There was silence, Medic continued his work. He wasn’t going to get an answer to a question like that was he?
“Medic… Do you think Biofuel could work?” His voice was barely noticeable. Burning bodies of their own would be disrespectful, but maybe the inedible parts of whatever Doey brings back could help? Still disrespectful, disgraceful even… they all suffered down here… but…
“Maybe…” That answer didn’t bring Engineer any hope. “The problem is getting it… flesh isn’t very flammable…”
“That's good though! If something’s too flammable it causes risks of combustion.”
“But would it power?... Humans…” Medic paused at the word “flesh has a lot of water… if you could process it out… but we would need-”
“-Industrial equipment…” Engineer finished with a sigh. There had to be a way. Fabric was absolutely too flammable, they already surpassed the 80% rule for generators. They couldn’t just be waiting for death… they couldn’t…
Boogie Bots have a way don’t they? They digest and it keeps them alive, it keeps their screens on. The pain behind his had to be something, proof maybe?- if he could- no. No. He shouldn’t think about this. There… God. There had to be another way.
“How long… since you last rested?...” Medic asked, seemingly finishing up while Engineer was stuck in his own head.
“Does it matter? Do we even need sleep?” His voice tried to be light. Emphasis on tried.
“Not sleep… just rest…” The red and white Boogie Bot placed everything back neatly, Engineer didn’t follow. “Take a break Engineer… We can continue this conversation… with Doey and Scout…”
“I…” He didn’t respond further. Just turning to enter Safe Haven’s Playroom at the infirmaries end. The pain shot through his head again, enough to make him hold his screen with one of his hands.
“Enginneer… are you okay?” Medic asked, there was too much concern than what Engineer liked. He didn’t have time for a check-up for something that was probably just a headache.
“Just stressed about it. Nothing serious.” With that he went off.
Engineer rolled in the Playroom, it wasn’t very accessible with mobility like his, but he made it work. Squeezing past boxes and monkey bars to see a glimpse of the old CRT sitting on a tiny table. It was currently playing an advertisement about factory tours, about how they ‘Valued the important years of a child's life!’ Rightfully those who he could see up there were ignoring it.
There were blocks and boxes leading up to the platform, even then, the smallest one was as tall as him! A critter peaked over the edge.
“Need help?” she asked with a cheerful giggle.
“No, no Izzy I’m okay staying down here-” Engineer didn’t have time to even finish before Izzy hauled him up with great effort. “You didn’t need to do that…” he looked as she panted a little, “But thank you Izzy. That was very considerate of you.”
There were only a couple other toys up here, most laying on dusty pillows or hiding behind cardboard props. From his count there was a CatNap, a DogDay, a Kissy Missy and someone from the long-legs line, which he couldn’t tell from the silhouette.
The TV resumed with the show it was playing, who but Playtime Co. would put advertisements in their commercial VHSes. “What episode is this?” he asked Izzy, he didn’t care much, but conversation is nice even when it's something so simple.
“The one where Kicken Chicken cheats in a race” she pouted.
“Is it not a good episode?” He asked, everything felt lighter. Maybe Medic was right.
“I hate this one!” Izzy confirmed, crossing her red arms with a huff. “I’m just waiting for my favourite one to come on. It’s the Valentines one and this box only has one holiday episode!”
“Is it your favourite because it’s a holiday?”
“I think so. Why else would I like this one the most and not the others?” Engineer glanced at the ground, best not to dig up the past. Not with someone as young as her.
“I haven't seen it. Haven't seen most of these episodes really.” He admitted, Izzy letting out a small gasp in response.
“You haven’t?! How!?”
“Been busy with the wires.” He sighed, voice almost wistful like the wires themselves were an old friend.
“But they’re so boring!” The Bobby Bearhug said, shocked.
“If there's something boring there's going to be at least one person who thinks it's the most interesting thing in the world.” Playfulness dripping off his words “In this case it’s me and wires!”
“I think you’d like the episodes with Bubba, the only person ever!” Izzy teased. The chatter went on longer than he expected, at first droning through episodes but quietened into them just enjoying the simple story within each 10 minutes. He was glad Safe Haven had these simple pleasures, where the weight of survival eased. But something in the back of his mind nagged at the power usage, how much was it? If they stopped using it how much would they save? He tried to override these thoughts with Medic’s breathing exercise but they never seemed to fully leave.
♪ ♪ ♪⁓
He found himself back in the generator room, always the generator room. He’d raised his concerns with Scout, Doey & Medic but he was no closer to a solution. It was eating up at him, now the pain behind his eyes was a constant. He needed something to ease the stress, something to ease that pain. So when they dimmed the lights for their artificial night, he waited for the 3 to arrive.
Scout, then Doey, then Medic. Engineer didn’t waste any time “I don’t know how long I can keep the generator up-” he started, voice cracking with the underlying stress that wasn’t so underlying anymore.
“I thought you said it was going to last for a couple more months-!” Doey rasped, panic rising.
“It will! It will! Just-” Engineer stuttered on his own thoughts, months can go by so quick! “Then what? After it heaves its last sparks of power what will we do?!”
“Engineer, calm down.” Scout whispered gently, too gentle. This was important, this wasn’t just blind panic! It was a serious issue, a serious concern! His drills flicked open, gesturing outwards.
“How can I calm down when right now our deaths have a due date!”
“Breathe.” Medic commanded, soft but stern, rolling in front of Scout to Engineer. “We’re not going…” something caught the red Boogie Bot off guard, confusion and concern all mixed into one expression. Something Engineer couldn’t see or maybe they were finally realizing what he’s always known.
“We need to plan! We need to do something! Something so at least we’re prepared for when it comes!” Each word was quick, like Engineer was running on high voltage. “Please. I can’t just-” He glanced at the generator as if it would disappear any moment. Doey lowered himself, placing his hand on Engineer's head, antenna peaking through the fingers. Too much pressure against and within his head.
“Engi,” Doey spoke with what Engineer could clearly see as forced calm. “We can figure it out together okay? We can try and find a way. Just… not now. Please, rest for a moment. We can cover it when you have a clear head-”
“Clear head?! My head’s already clear!” The aching seemed to say otherwise. “The longer we wait the less time we have! What do you think I’m just delusional?!”
“We don’t think you’re-” Doey was once again cut off.
“I’ve tried to figure out fuel alternatives!- Fabric’s too risky, could just blow it all up! Flesh can’t be used without being processed-”
“Flesh-?” cut in, though was ignored by Engineers flurry.
“-and we can’t process it! We live in a factory and we can’t process the moisture out of meat!” He wheezed, voice strained to an emotional breaking point. His tracks paced the same path it did before.
“We could try finding fuel guaranteed to work but that's too dangerous! Don’t even know where we can find it. Might just be a wild goose chase that puts Doey in too much risk!” He turned to the scanner, its red blinking almost mocking him now, flaring up the ache. “AND THAT.” he snarled.
“THAT COULD FIX ALL OF THIS! BUT THE DOCTOR JUST HAD TO STILL BE ALIVE! JUST HAD TO BE ALLIED WITH HIM! JUST HAD TO HAVE HIS BLOODIED CLAWS ON THE OMNI-HAND.” He couldn’t tell if he was angry or just sad. They could all live happily, or as happy as they could get if they were just left alone. If the power was to just keep the lights on and not to keep them out.
His head pounded from the inside out. “There's nowhere else safe too… Everyone in Playcare might be dead. Down in Conditioning leads us closer to him. We wouldn’t be able to even make it to the factory floor…” He gasped, trying to not let himself break into tears. An instinct from a time he couldn’t remember. Pain blinded as it arched throughout his head.
He turned to see their faces, worry, panic, concern. Faces that finally matched his own feelings. He gasped for uneven air, not even using the technique. There was a thin scratch just barely audible to him.
“Engi-”
Then, a sound like the echo of ice across the lake. Followed by-
Shatter
It hurt, it hurt to the point he couldn’t even register the pain. Couldn’t register what he saw, or the panicked voices of Doey and Scout. Maybe it was shock. Would he even find out? But he felt liquid oozing out of him, and the cold that seemed to hit his very nerves.
Something grabbed his chest, holding him up as his head lulled downward.
It's a strange feeling.
Feeling only blood where there should be your face.