Create an illustration in the style of Edward Gorey, featuring characters inspired by the figures in the uploaded image. Use detailed cross-hatching techniques to build shadows and textures, especially in the characters’ gas masks, clothing straps, and their minimalist yet expressive forms. The characters should have an elongated and simplified silhouette, with a neutral and expressionless demeanor to evoke a sense of detachment and unease. Position them in a sparse, minimalist background, using only a few symbolic elements such as a cracked clock, an abandoned staircase, or a lone crow perched in the corner to enhance the mysterious and eerie atmosphere. Focus on creating an unsettling balance between the characters' mechanical nature and their almost human-like stances, while the overall composition should emphasize emptiness and isolation, characteristic of Gorey's style.