Icebound

For several days, word has been making its way around Boilertown that renewed attention is being paid to the old French watch tower beyond the camp.

What began as idle speculation over its silent sirens and abandoned telegraph has rather predictably grown into questions about the crane overlooking the ravine, the wiring stripped from the station, the soundness of the structure itself -- and whether any of it might yet be made useful. A translation of the surviving French records has only furnished more questions.

Eventually, more official notices can be found pinned to the camp bulletin board:

VOLUNTEERS WANTED -- WATCH TOWER INSPECTION

Those with experience in forensics, electrical work, metallurgy or mechanical engineering, and woodcraft are particularly requested to lend their eyes and expertise to a closer inspection of the old watch tower and its machinery.

Soldiers and others accustomed to the dangers beyond camp are also sought to provide escorts for those requiring them.

No useful talent is excluded. Anyone possessing some peculiar expertise, practical ingenuity, or simply a keen eye for something others may have overlooked is warmly encouraged to contribute.

Those unable to attend at that hour may leave their observations in the Delaunay mailbox.

The findings--including a translation of the recovered French records--will afterward be compiled into a full report and made available to the camp for study and consideration.