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Erik decided to try the dump for internet cables, figuring that plastic coated metal wires were something that many nations only pretended to separate and recycle properly.
He had a good memory and after following the route Lonnie had taken, the trash mountain was soon in view.
"Alright then, I wonder if there is any sort of system... These Pen Islanders may be behind in tech but they're sure organised after all."
Despite it being twilight, the area remained well lit, the headlights of many cars serving instead of floodlights.
This just served to highlight to Erik just how much several hundred shipping containers can actually carry (a lot).
"Hi there, name's Hannikevich, looking for some wires or cables or similar, could you perhaps help me out?"
The man he spoke to turned and shook the hand Erik had reached out.
"Sure thing, it'll be next to the rope I'm after. Name's Dan"
As they climbed up the stairs someone had made out of old boxes, stepladders and chairs, they began chatting.
Dan: "so what d'ya need this stuff for anyways?"
Erik: "My internet broke and I need a connection back home for my work. What about yourself?"
Dan: "Huh, right. I need a tree's worth of rope, a friend tol' me about a big big ol' walnut that went down and I figure I could make something from it."
Erik: "I've been told walnut is good for tables, whereabouts is this tree?"
Dan: "Out past Springfield over by Dyers Ridge, you want a piece?"
Erik: "Thanks, but we don't have much space at home. Say, my wife and son went to Springfield and they aren't back home yet, if you see a lost looking brunette, could you give her directions?"
Dan: "Sure! I'll keep an eye out"

They headed back to their cars and homes, having found (much quicker than Erik was expecting) what they were looking for.
On seeing that Natasha's car was still not there, Erik began to worry in earnest.
10.30PM "GPS would never work in the trees and lanes, there's just no coverage there... She'll be fine, people here are friendly."
11PM "Perhaps the car broke down and she's staying the night somewhere with Ivan, yes that must be it."
11.30PM "Maybe I should call the police just in case."
Erik's concern got the better of him, and with no work left to occupy him he rang the police.
"Hi, this is a recording, it's late and we've gone home for the day. Please try again in the morning, we should be in around 5 or 6"
Erik hung up in disbelief that the police didn't work 24 hours in the capital city, despite this being Pen Island.

The next day was a Saturday leaving Erik with once again very little to do except pace up and down and worry.
Finally he made up his mind on a course of action, driving down to the nearest police station.
Erik: "Good morning, I need to make a missing persons report, what do I have to do?"
Officer: "Woah there buddy, slow down. At least you remembered the 'good morning' haha! Alright, who's missing?"
Erik: "My wife Natasha and my son Ivan. They were in a white car, a Mercedes, with FinRussian plates. She's about 5'6" with brow-"
Officer: "My pen can only go so fast buddy, hold on. Fancy white car, FinRuskie plates. 5 foot 6ish brown hair. When and where d'ya last see her?"
Erik: "Yesterday, they went to Springfield and they haven't come home, or called, or anything. Ivan's blonde like me and about 5", they were weari-"
Officer, putting pen and paper to one side: "Oookay buddy. It's only been one night and phones don't always work. Weather's nice, there's no need to panic yet. Come by tomorrow if you still ain't heard anything."
Erik: "But.... No, you're right I'm probably worrying too much, perhaps they decided to stay in Springfield overnight"
Officer: "Sure, and if not there then camping in the car, shooting some game and having a nice hot meal"
Erik: "Oh, well they don't have guns so I doubt that, haha"
The officer's tone suddenly goes serious: "No guns? Are ya crazy vegans or something? What'll they do 'bout snakes or coyotes? I'll get this form to the radio station right away buddy"
Erik: "Thank you so much!"