The people gather again.
This time, though, there are no more disputes, no resentment.
This is a gathering of joy.
Vila: After thorough discussion, the people of Rayashki have made their final decision.
Vila: I stand here to declare the future direction of Rayashki.
Vila: As of today, Rayashki will be no longer affiliated with any organizations, and all factories dedicated to processing of runium ore will be shut down.
Resident I: What are we going to do for our work, then?
Resident II: I don't want to sit around at home living on benefits!
Vila: There will be many things to do, Comrade Valeriya.
Vila: As the elites above us struggle for power, we ordinary people suffer in darkness.
Vila: But now, there will be a new source of power, one built to lift up the people not to take from them. And it will run on Rayashki coal.
Vila: We will start new factories in Rayashki and explore the possibilities of working with other coal producers nearby.
Vila: We will mine with our own hands and feed ourselves.
Knut: Maybe we can even build a dock and sell our products far away.
The people chatter excitedly.
Vila: We will raise a new banner above Rayashki, one welcoming all ordinary people ...
Vila: ... to come to a livable place with abundant power and job opportunities for their future.
Arms and smiles intermingle, then a rising wave of applause.
The wave washes over everyone, including Windsong.
Vila: What about your plan, Comrade Windsong?
Windsong: ...
Windsong: I think I'm going to stay for a while.
Vila: You need to know that for now we must tighten our belts. Everyone's rations must be cut for some time until Rayashki gets back on its feet.
The researcher does not waver, not in the slightest.
Windsong: At least for now, the study of ley lines belongs here, not in the fancy halls and symposiums of human academia.
Windsong: This place still holds many possible research avenues: monitoring the changes in the environment, further detailing the local ley energy map, maybe even studying the mutation of the Kikituks.
Windsong: I must finish them to further develop the study before it is ready for academia again.
Vila: Then it sounds like you may be with us for a long time yet, good.
They exchange smiles.
Vila: And don't forget, you are expected to cut the ribbon at the ceremony.
An enthusiastic hand reaches out to Windsong once again.
Now, the little arctic town is covered in a strange mix of black coal soot and bright yellow flowers, a warm wind blowing over every inch of soil and each wall, old and new.
It flows like blood through snow-white skin and fluffy pores. A scene like a hand-drawn picture.
Windsong: ...
Windsong walks alone through the town, feeling the energy of the earth beneath her.
Townsfolk pass her.
They nod and greet her with hopeful smiles.
Pyotr: Ms. Windsong, I want to apologize for being rude to you during class.
Pyotr: I'll bring you some Friendship cheese next time, to apologize. I promise!
Knut: You will always be our comrade.
Knut: Hats off to you!
In the distance, children cluster around a vibrant field of sunflowers.
Avgust: Ms. Windsong!
Avgust: I think we performed very well at the ceremony!
The boy, bright as any other sunflower, waves to her as he hops joyfully in the snow.
Avgust: Will you come teach us again?
Nina: We want to learn more, too!
Pasono: Same here!
Avgust: ♪♪♪
Avgust: Ms. Windsong, the sunflowers we planted are blooming!
Avgust: We protected the town!
Windsong wants to say something, but a sudden creaking draws up her attention.
She looks up to see a construction crane looming over the town.
The new coal refinery, a school, a hockey field, the dormitories ...
In the boundless future ahead for Rayashki, these buildings will be like speckled grains of sand cast over the tundra.
Residents: ...
Windsong: We begin the next chapter of Rayashki today.
Windsong: I'm so glad we will build it together.
Windsong: Hello, Rayashki.
