At five in the afternoon, the sun was nearing the horizon, and the logging team returned to base with the sixth cartload of logs and all members. Without rest, Maya arranged for people to transport logs, split wood, and haul. Meanwhile, Su Shi produced a large number of wooden planks and iron nails, which Stone and Lin Wu used in conjunction with carpets to completely seal off the eight open stores. The back doors were stacked with firewood, which would naturally form barriers after it snowed.
Stone radioed through the earpiece, "Everyone come out, gather at the small plaza."
Everyone headed to the small plaza without needing Stone to say anything. They watched the western sunset about to disappear, either stretching hands to catch the last warmth or closing eyes to feel the lingering heat.