Swamped

It suddenly strikes you that you're at an observatory.

"Could we get Harbottle's star-scope pointing at it?" you ask. At the very least, you know who to assign to the task of making your own long goggles later.

"I've asked 'em about it before. They really don't like that; it's possible but it takes a long time to adjust."

"This could well be an emergency, though. What if Simone's in trouble?"

"You're welcome to try, but I don't think it'll go well..."

You're just about to head back in when you hear a familiar gruff voice.

"Hey! Little help here?"

You look down and see Gascoign, climbing up the tower. They seem to be having trouble getting up.

"I'll get the emergency rope," Rudolph sighs. He runs off, and returns with a rope soon after. Gascoign climbs on, and you help Rudolph pull it up.

"What's going on?" you ask. "Did you find Simone?"