Taking the elevator all the way to the top of the Vista Lighthouse feels like less of a thrill and much more of a precarious endeavor given the frequency of blackouts lately, but you arrive without incident in the watch room. As the doors slide open you could swear they make a sound that sounds very much like 'huh', but it turns out that was just Volkner, huffing to himself at the intrusion.

He doesn't bother turning around, staring out of the great window across the sea with his hands stuffed in his pockets and his forehead against the glass. In the distance a storm is gathering, fat black clouds collecting on the horizon.

"Oh, {{user}}." Volkner says at length, still gazing at the turbulent sky as if it will somehow deliver to him the solution to his ennui. "I don't need to be here. But here I am. I don't know how I managed to get myself into this funk."

Another weary sigh, his breath misting the window. A streak of lightning flares, the thunder a low, far-off rumble for now.