Chapter 7

While Kaz was caught within a state of awe Ethan looked the room over. He noticed a group of well dressed men huddled near a door which led to the observatory for this training room. Ethan tapped Kaz on the shoulder and pointed in their direction. Without saying a word Kaz followed him over to the group. As they approached Ethan spotted three familiar faces within the group. One was that of the good doctor Coues, beside him was Mr. Richards and his assistant Ben. Ethan didn’t know much about him but decided to shake the thought off, as it probably wasn’t important anyway. Dr. Coeus was the first to step forward towards Ethan and Kaz when they arrived.

“Gentleman, allow me to introduce my assistant Ethan, and the fine specimen behind him is Kazimer.”

As soon as he had spoken Ben stood between him and the Japanese business men, bowed, and began to translate for the doctor.

“Shinshi wa, watashi no ashisutantoīsan o shōkai shi, kare no ushiro ni rippana mihon o kyoka kajimā wa.”

The four men bowed in return to both Ben and the two new arrivals. One of the more regal men stepped forward from his group. He faced Kaz and smiled.

“Watashi wa watashi-tachi ga anata no tasuke o karite wareware no kenkyū o suishin suru koto ga dekimasu shite itadaki kansha shitai to omoimasu. Anata ga watashi-tachi ni ōku no meiyo o okonau.”

Once again Ben was there ready to translate.

“Chairman Kaga would like you to know that he is honored to have you help him further his research.”

Kaz froze for a moment. He was not sure how to respond. He gave the chairman an awkward bow and smiled. The Chairman nodded his head in acceptance and returned to his group of colleagues. Mr. Richards cleared his throat loudly to assume the attention of the room.

“Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, I hope we can begin this demonstration. Gentlemen if you would follow me. Coues would you be so kind as to begin once we are seated.”

“Anata wa kono michi o ayumunara wareware wa, demo o kaishi shi, sa remasu.”

Mr. Richards pulled a key card from his jacket pocket and swiped it against the panel on the door. An elevator arrived. Mr. Richards, Ben, and the four business men entered the elevator and the door closed behind them. Coeus watched them all enter the observation room and take their seats. He then turned to Ethan and Kaz.

“Follow me.”

The two walked behind the doctor toward the center of the room. Waiting for them there was a single pedestal with a control panel built into it. The doctor pressed a few keys in quick succession. In front of them the floor opened and what looked like an operating table rose from the depression. Coeus Looked at Ethan and then nodded his head in the direction of the table. Ethan put a hand on Kaz’z shoulder and walked with him to the table. Kaz stood at the foot of the table for a moment and took a deep breath. He got onto the table and laid down flat on his back. Ethan walked around the table and secured the leg and arm restraints. Once those were secure he attached a Peripheral IV to Kaz’s left arm. He looked Kaz in the eyes and smiled.

“It’s gonna be alright.”

Kaz let out another sigh and smiled back as convincingly as he could. Ethan looked over at the doctor and gave a thumbs up.

“Ethan, administer the phosphodiesterase inhibitors.”

Ethan reached into his lab coat and pulled out several syringes. He carefully emptied each one. Kaz winced as he felt chemicals rush through his blood stream.

“Why does this hurt. It didn’t feel like this earlier.”

“These are a little different, a little stronger than the ones I gave you earlier.”

Kaz nodded and closed his eyes. He could feel every vein in his body, and they were all on fire. Ethan stepped away from the table and stood next to the doctor. Coeus flipped a few more switches on the console and yet another area opened within the floor. Out from this crevice rose a bio-tube, too small for an adult, but big enough for a child or small animal. The tube was filled with some sort of glowing viscous green liquid. Ethan’s eyes were wide with both fear and amazement. He had no idea what he was looking at. A part of him was worried for what this meant for Kaz but the scientist within him was intrigued. He watched the tube intently. Coeus flipped on last switch on the control panel. Within the tube a rush of bubbles gushed from its base. When the liquid settled Ethan could see something floating inside the tube. In the center of the tube was a metallic object that could be described as a cocoon. The liquid within the tube started to drain, and this cocoon was laid at the bottom of the tube. Dr. Coeus approached the specimen. Carefully he opened the bio-tube and stroked the cocoon inside. He licked his lips in excitement and gave a sinister smile. He reached in with both hands and picked the cocoon up. He held it close to his face. He inhaled deeply over its surface. He shook from chills. Ethan watched in puzzlement at the interaction between the doctor and this…thing. He had never seen Dr. Coeus behave like this over anything. Coeus slowly walked over the Kaz. Kaz looked up at the doctor and noticed the shiny slime covered cocoon in his hands.

“Doctor, what is that?”

Coeus didn’t reply, he continued to slowly walk toward Kazimer as if he were in a trance.

“Doctor…wait…I’m not ready yet, just hold on a second, doctor what the hell is that thing!”

Kaz moved his arms and legs frantically in an attempt to break free from his restraints. Every step the doctor took towards him, he moved his body more violently. The restraints began to cut into his skin. Pools of blood began to form on the floor around the table. Ethan watched but did nothing. As much as he wanted to help, the fear of Coeus kept him paralyzed. Dr. Coeus stood directly over Kaz. Kaz screamed as he continued to break free. He looked over to Ethan who was shaking behind the console.

“Ethan...please?”

Ethan turned his head and shut his eyes. Dr. Coeus lowered the cocoon onto the Kaz’s chest where the material was cut out of his body suit. Kaz shook as he felt cold metal touch his skin. He could feel a layer of slime between him and the cocoon. He cringed and closed his eyes. Coues leaned close to the cocoon and whispered something into it. Suddenly Kaz could feel his chest getting hot. At first it was slight discomfort but in moments it became almost unbearable. He screamed in agony and writhed upon the table. Smoke rose from his chest and he could smell his own flesh being seared. Just as he felt he was going to pass out, the burning pain he felt up his chest was replaced with something far worse. He could feel something digging into his body. It felt like a worm burrowing into his body. At first it was only one but in a matter of seconds he felt multiple worms moving into his chest and though his body. Ethan swallowed hard and looked over at Kaz. His jaw dropped as he saw multiple tentacle like objects move beneath his skin. He watched in horror at Kaz who was whipping back and forth upon the table in such terrible pain. As the tentacles spread throughout Kaz’s body the cocoon on his chest appeared to get smaller and smaller. Once it looked to be nothing more than a metallic diamond upon his chest, the tentacles stopped moving, and so did Kaz. Coeus touched his chest lightly and smiled. Between heavy breaths he whispered to himself.

“Glorious.”

Chapter 6

“Alex!”

Emma watched as her sister hit the floor. She had to brace herself to keep from being thrown back. She bolstered her stance and tried to move to her sister. Before she could take a step her eyes shot towards the hole in the side of the car. Four black ropes rolled into the train. It only took a second for her to realize what was coming next. She stretched both of her hands out toward her sister. With a yell she pulled Alex toward her on the other side of the car. In an instant Alex flew across the car and landed at her sister’s feet. Once Alex was near her, Emma flipped over a dining table and used it as cover for her and her sister. She immediately closed her eyes tightly and covered her ears. Just as she was preparing herself two M84 stun grenades hit the ground. Even though her ears were covered the sharp sound of the grenades exploding felt as though she were being punched in them. Though her ears were ringing her eyes were unharmed. She peeked over the top of the table and saw four figures repel into the train. They were garbed in black from head to toe. Black boots, BDU’S, balaclavas, and goggles. Once Emma noticed they were also equipped with P90 TR’s she ducked back behind the table. She started to shake Alex back into consciousness. Alex began to stir slightly. She put her hands on her head and let out a groan. She opened her eyes to a frantic scene. Emma put her hand over Alex’s mouth and a finger over her own. Alex nodded as she began to realize the situation. Emma reached for a dinner plate that was on the floor next to her. She tossed the plate in the air above her head. Before the plate could reach its peak a hail of bullets shattered it into shards. Immediately bullets flew into the table where they took refuge. The table was split in half instantly. Emma rolled one way and Alex rolled the other. They both scrambled across the floor as bullets flew in their direction. Alex continued to roll until she reached the corner of the train. Now she was out in the open. Their attackers took quick notice to her lack of cover. They turned all weapons to her direction. In the brief moment the bullets stopped Emma peeked over her cover and saw that her sister was in grave danger. She knew Alex wouldn’t be able to defend herself in her current state so she had to act quickly. She reached her hands out toward the soldiers in the center. Aiming for their feet she pulled their legs up into the air. The two soldiers fell backwards onto the ground. The other two left standing immediately shot their attention over to Emma. She ducked back behind her cover and crawled for safety from the onslaught of bullets that came her way. The fear of her sister dying in front of her brought Alex back to her senses. She drew her hands in towards her and gathered energy. She released a wave of force towards their attackers. The two standing flew back into the wall behind them with incredible momentum. The two who were rising back to their feet after Emma’s assault were not so lucky. They were both thrown out of the train. One body hit the track and disappeared in a blur. The other let go of his weapon and grabbed hold of one of the ropes before meeting a fate similar to his companion. Emma didn’t want to waste the opportunity that her sister had prepared. She rose to her feet. She reached out and pulled toward her the gun that was dropped onto the floor. Once in her hands she opened fire. The first to get hit was the solider hanging onto the rope. He too disappeared into obscurity as he lost his grip. The remaining soldiers took cover behind the bar.

“Alex!”

Emma yelled for her sister. Alex got to her feet and rushed over to Emma while she was laying down cover fire. Emma felt her sisters’ hand on her shoulder. She yelled over the gunfire.

“I can’t keep this up; I don’t think there is much ammo left!”

Alex looked over at the bar where they had the soldiers pinned. She was struck with a brilliant idea. She put her mouth close to Emma ear so she wouldn’t give away her plan.

“Shoot the bottles!”

Emma nodded in agreement as she knew exactly what Alex had in mind. Emma fired indiscriminately at the bottles of liquor lined on the wall behind the bar. Bottles shattered left and right. The strong smell spirits filled the air. The Bar and all surrounding areas were drenched in alcohol. Alex reached into her pocket and pulled out her lighter. She flicked open her Zippo and rolled the thumbwheel. A small yellow and orange flame was birthed form it’s wick. With a soft smile she tossed her lighter towards the bar. It landed in a nicely formed pool of liquor. In a flash the entire bar burst into flames. The rush of air that whirled through the car only fed the fire. The only thing louder than the roar of the flame was the scream of the men caught within it. In moment s their screams turned to low groans, and those turned to silence. The two girls leaned back against the wall. They both breathed heavy as they watched the flames die down. They looked one another in the eyes and smiled in relief that their ordeal was over. Alex began to open her mouth to speak but Emma put a finger over it. She remained motionless for a moment. She placed her ear against the wall of the train.

“Do you hear that?”

Alex gave her a puzzled look in return.

“Hear what?”

Alex followed her sister’s lead and placed her ear against the wall. They both remained motionless, listening as hard as they could. Slowly they both started to hear something. It was distorted by the sound of the rushing wind but it sounded like a sort of beating or whipping. Low at first but the sound grew stronger and stronger every second.

“Emma…what is that?”

Emma closed her eyes and listened intently. The sound was so familiar to her. In a moment her heart stopped. She realized exactly what that sound was. Her eyes shot open wide. She grabbed Alex and through her to the floor.

“Stay down!”

A torrent of bullets ripped through the walls of the train. The mounted M134 on the attack helicopter hovering alongside them rained complete destruction upon the dining car. What seemed like an endless barrage of bullets berated the car and kept the two girls pinned to the floor. Tables, chairs, even pieces of wall were thrown everywhere. It looked as if the girls were caught within a tornado. The sound of gunfire stopped abruptly. The gun was being reloaded. The girls wasted no time they got to their feet and started toward the front car as fast as they could. Before they could reach the door another barrage of bullets headed their way. Alex shot in front of her sister as they ran toward the door. She shot a blast of energy and blew the door right off its hinges. Now they could run without stopping. Car after car they ran as fast as they could barely out running the wave of destruction behind them. Alex continued to blast a way for her and her sister’s escape. They finally reached the first car of the train. With nowhere left to run they once again hit the floor. Everything around them was caught up in the hailstorm of bullets. They were out of places to run and now they were out of cover. Alex reached out for her sister’s hand. She was sure that this was the end. She closed her eyes tight and gripped Emma’s hand. She felt Emma squeeze her hand in return. Just as she thought the end had finally come, the assult stopped. The gun had to be reloaded again. Luckily while Alex was preparing for death, Emma was preparing an attack. She pulled
her sister to her feet.

“Alex, push the front of the copter, hurry!”

Alex didn’t bother to argue she just did as her sister told. While Alex pushed the front of the helicopter, Emma pulled the back end toward her. The two girls screamed as they used every ounce on energy they had. The helicopter started to wobble unsteadily. The pilot tried to steady the copter but his efforts only worked against him. The Helicopter shifted from left to right violently. Alex could no longer push. The back end of the helicopter spun toward the train. The back rotor collided with the tracks. The Helicopter spun wildly. The pilot tried to distance himself from the train so he pulled away. He couldn’t control the helicopter at this point. It tilted forward and flew up ahead of the train. It spun out of control and crashed directly in the center of the tracks. The train met head on with the flaming wreckage of the helicopter. Alex and Emma held onto to each other as they felt their feet leaving the floor. They were slammed against the wall then ceiling then another wall. They were thrown violently about the car as the train derailed.

Chapter 5

“Impressive Coeus, very impressive.”

“Why thank you Gregory, I do so take pride in this one.”

“Yes I can see that you do, however the meeting is to begin shortly. I will meet you there; I need to take a few moments to prepare myself. Have the subject ready by then.”

“But of course, I’ll have Ethan get him ready,”

Coeus turned to Ethan and gave him nod. Ethan knew exactly what the doctor wanted from him, so without a word he exited the observation room and headed toward the test chamber. He fumbled with the controls as he rushed to get the door open. He hurried into the room and quickly released Kaz’s constraints. Kaz fell to his knees. Sweat poured from his forehead down to his nose then chin and finally into a fast forming puddle on the ground in front of him. Labored breathes escaped his lungs. Every muscle in his body was tensed. He slowly raised his head toward Ethan who was standing in front of him. He gave Ethan a very weak smile.

“Was…that…all?”

Ethan let out a sigh of relief then smiled back at Kaz sympathetically. He threw one of Kaz’s arms over his shoulder and helped him up.

“I’m glad to see your ok, that looked a little rough.”

“No…way. I’m…as…strong…as nails.”

Kaz nearly fell as Ethan helped him to the door. Ethan stopped for a moment to allow Kaz to catch his breath.

“Kaz I don’t want to rush you, I know you’re tired, but there is an important meeting in about thirty minutes that I have to get you ready for.”

Kaz nodded his head and started to walk. Ethan silently helped him all the way back to his room. When they got there, after what seemed to Kaz to be an eternity, Ethan walked Kaz into the washroom. Ethan sat Kaz down on a bench in the shower then turned the water on. Ethan turned to Kaz with a smile.

“Okay, you wash up. I'm going to get your clothes ready and I'll be waiting for you outside.”

“Thanks. Do I have time to get something to eat before we go? I’m really hungry.”

“Yea I’ll get something for you while you’re in the shower.”

“Thanks man.”

Ethan nodded then turned around and left the shower. Kaz sat for a minute to gather
his strength. He leaned against the wall to help himself to his feet. He peeled off the body suit he was in. It stuck to his skin like saran wrap. Slowly he walked under the running water. As soon as the water hit his skin a well of steam erupted from his body. He braced himself against the wall in front of him. He gave a sigh of relief as he felt all the muscles in his body begin to relax. He decided to just let the water wash over him. After a few minutes of his much needed reprieve, he walked out of the shower into his room to find Ethan standing by the bed with yet another body suit and a tray covered by a silver dome.

“You look a lot better.”

“Yea, I feel a lot better. Is that breakfast?!”

Kaz rubbed his hands together and grinned delight fully. Ethan noticed his eagerness and decided not the let the poor guy wait any longer. He wore a proud smile as he lifted the metal dome on the tray to reveal Kaz’s breakfast.

“Bon appetite!”

As Kaz locked his eyes onto the plate his jaw dropped right along with his heart. He looked Ethan right in the eyes with a very displeased look.

“Ethan…what the hell is that?”

Ethan looked confused for a moment. He looked down at the plate, then back at Kaz. Not sure of what the problem was he stared back at Kaz with a blank look on his face. Noticing Kaz was looking considerably disappointed he decided to ask.

“What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?! Please tell me you’re kidding? What exactly is that supposed to be?"

Kaz pointed to the plate in front of him. Ethan scratched his head bewildered.

“Umm…It’s your breakfast.”

“It’s a damn protein bar Ethan! A protein bar! There’s not a damn thing breakfast about that!”

“Oh. Well it’s all I could find. I almost forgot.”

Ethan reached into his lab coat and pulled out a fruit punch flavored sports drink. He put it on the tray next to the protein bar.

“Here you go. I’m told that brand or bar is really dry, so this should wash it down.”

Kaz picked up the protein bar and the drink. Sullenly he stared down at the "breakfast" in his hands. He looked up at Ethan, mouth agape then back down at the floor. He muttered to himself.

“I don’t even like fruit punch.”

“What Kaz, did you say something?”

Still looking down Kaz just shook his head slowly. Ethan looked him up and down for a moment then shrugged his shoulders. He looked at his watch and let out an awkward shriek.

“Kaz we have to go now. We don’t want to be late. Put on your suit and you will just have to eat your breakfast on the way.”

Upon hearing the word breakfast, Kaz imagined beating Ethan with his sports drink bottle. He basked in the thought for a moment but was drawn back to reality as he felt Ethan pushing him towards the bed. He set aside his meal for the moment and started to put on his body suit. He noticed this was slightly different from all the other suits he wore. It felt far denser than the others. It also had an oval shape cut right in the center of the chest area. He touched his bare chest.

“What’s this for?”

“That, I’m not sure to tell you truth. The doctor had it designed specifically for this demonstration.”

“I have been meaning to ask, what is this demonstration for anyway?”

Ethan walked towards the door as Kaz finished putting on the body suit. He motioned with his hands for Kaz to follow him. Kaz followed him to the door and then down the hall.

“As far as I know the doctor and his boss, or colleague or whatever he is, Mr. Richards is making a deal with some new weapons development company.”

“Weapons?”

“Yea, they are some new private organization based out of Japan. Apparently they have some new technology that is supposed to revolutionize ground combat. It’s supposed to make soldiers into super soldiers or something. I don’t really know the details.”

“And I guess they want to test it on me right.”

“That’s the idea”

“But I don’t get it. This doesn’t seem to be the kind of thing I normally do. I mean, I’m not a soldier.”

“True, but for lack of a better word you are a super powered guinea pig. And testing on you would probably be safer than testing on someone normal.”

Kaz shook his head. He stopped with Ethan in front of a reinforced door similar to the one on the testing room. Ethan started to take his key card out of his pocket. Before he opened the door he looked over at Kaz.

“I’m sure it will all be ok. You have handled much more than this in the past so this should be a walk in the park for you.”

“I don’t even know what it is I’m about to get into, how do you know it’s going to be a walk in the park.”

Ethan stopped and thought to himself for a second.

“Good point.”

Ethan swiped his key card against the terminal next to the door. The metal door slid to the side revealing the demonstration room. Kaz’s eyes opened wide. He had never seen this room before. As he walked through the door he looked at all the equipment that filled this hanger sized room. There were guns of several shapes and sizes along one wall. Along another were vehicles that ranged from scooters to a tank. The center of the room was filled with walls made of different materials, sand bags, hills, dips, and trenches. From the ceiling hung ropes, zip wires, and turrets. There was an obstacle course and what seemed like a maze at the other end of the room. Kaz turned to Ethan who was sharing a similar sense of amazement.

“Ethan…what is this place?”

“It’s the battle test room. This is where they do the weapons testing for all the equipment developed by the company.”

“It’s huge.”

“I know, I’m impressed every time I walk in here. Come on, everyone is waiting.”

The door began to close behind them. Kaz felt an ominous chill run down his spine has the heard the door lock.

In time

I have been meaning to continue with calamity. For sometime now however, things have not been going as smoothly as i would have liked them to go. Some set backs and what have you. Anywho, to those who are or were reading (which is probably just the one follower(I love you by the way)), as soon as things bounce back i am going to get back on this train full force. I have plenty of knew ideas, and a bunch of new personal feelings and experiences that i want to transfer to paper and let it out through the characters. So in short, there will be much more calamity to come...in time

Chapter 4

The red Cadillac pulled into the front entrance of a train station. Ben shifted the car in park and opened the door. As he got out he intentionally slammed the door shut instantly waking both Alex and Emma. Both girls let out a small yell and gasped for air. Ben stood at the trunk of the car laughing hysterically. The girls looked at him with very dirty looks. As Ben started to point and mimic the startled girls, Alex raised her hand toward him. He stopped laughing instantly and started to shake his head.

“Hey come one now, it was all in fun and games. Where all friends here right. There is no need to…”

Before he could finish his plea Alex opened her hand. A wave of invisible energy blasted from her hand straight in Ben’s direction. The blast knocked him clear off his feet and at least five feet behind him. As he hit the ground all the air he had left his body. He gasped for more while rubbing his chest. Alex got out of the car and walked over to him. She stood right above him and smirked.

“Not so funny now are you asshole.”

Ben shook his head. He put his hands together in front of him as a plea for forgiveness. Emma was now standing next to her sister. She offered her hand to Ben. He grabbed her hand and allowed her to help him up. Finally able to breathe he turned to Alex.

“That was…uncool…you could have killed…me.”

Giggling to herself Emma helped dust off Ben. She looked at her sister and tried to give her a disappointed look.

“Alex you could have really hurt him that time, I’m sure he was just joking. No harm right? You should apologize.”

“Your right Em, Ben, I am sorry.”

With a confused look he turned to Alex.

“You are…for real!”

“Yes Ben, I am sorry I hurt yo…”

Alex couldn’t hold it in any longer. She let out a laugh so hard she doubled over. Emma Started laughing too. She began imitating Ben on the ground writhing in pain. Alex stopped laughing for a moment just to tease Ben some more.

“You really think I would apologize to you, come one dude, get real. You deserved that anyway. Next time I might send you back farther.”

Emma looked at her watch. She nudged her sister and showed her what time it was.

“Okay guys funs over.”

Ben Shot Emma a dirty look.

“Who’s having fun?”

“Whatever, Alex and I have a train to catch and you need to get to work. Don’t you have a meeting to you need to attend?”

“Yea I do, so with that ladies, I will see you both in a couple of days. Stay out of trouble, Alex.”

Alex shrugged her shoulders and smiled at him.

“It can’t be helped Benny boy; I just have too much fun.”

“Right, Okay you girls take it easy.”

Ben jumped back in his car and started towards the lot exit. He stopped before he reached the street and waved back at the girls. They waved back to him. He pulled out into the street and drove off. The girls’ watched Ben drive out of their field of view. When they could no longer see him they turned toward the ticket booth inside the station. As they approached, Alex stopped and pulled a cigarette out of her pocket. She tapped Emma on her shoulder.

“Hey I’m going to have a quick smoke, could you get the tickets and I’ll meet you on the platform.”

“Sure, just don’t be late; the train should be boarding soon.”

Alex gave Emma a thumb up as she lit her cigarette. A passing attendant tapped Alex on the arm and pointed at the no smoking sign on the wall. Alex stuck her tongue out at the attendant and headed outside. Emma walked up to the ticket booth.

“Hi I need two adult tickets for the next train to Sacramento and connections to Barstow.”

“That will be $245.03 please.”

Emma gave a look of both astonishment and disgust.

“That’s a bit steep don’t you think.”

“I don’t make the prices lady I just sell the tickets.”

“Whatever, here. How do you crooks sleep and night?”

“Very well actually. Here are your tickets. The train leaves in 15. Have a nice trip.”

Emma snatched the tickets from the booth and muttered something under her breath. She headed outside toward the platform. She noticed that Alex was already sitting on a bench outside waiting for her. Emma walked up and sat down beside her. Alex rested her head on her sisters’ shoulder.

“How much were the tickets?”

Knowing that Alex would blow the whole thing out of proportion she decided to just gesture the price being so-so with her hand. Alex shrugged her shoulders and closed her eyes.

“Emma?”

“Yea?”

“What are we going to do now?”

Emma inhaled deeply and let out a heavy sigh. She rested her head on top of her sisters’ head. She stayed silent for moment thinking about what she was going to tell her sister. She felt Alex take her hand into her own and squeezed gently. Emma smiled.

“Well, first were going to go home and rest up a bit.”

“Okay, sounds good. What next?”

Emma’s eyes shifted to the train now pulling into the station.

“Then since we have a couple of days until Ben shows up maybe we could do a little bit of training. Getting better never hurts right?”

“Sounds like work to me but I’m cool with that.”

Alex nudged Emma playfully in the side and Emma poked her back in the stomach. They shared a quick laugh. They both looked up as they heard the conductor over the intercom.

“The 11 Coast Starlight to Sacramento will be departing Seattle station in 5 minutes. Have all tickets and luggage ready please, thank you.”

Emma stood up first and then helped Alex to her feet. The two started for the last car of the train. Emma pulled out their tickets and handed them to the attendant. He punched the tickets then handed them back to her. He stepped aside and allowed the two to enter the train. Alex turned toward Emma as they walked through the car.

“I love trains, they seem so romantic…maybe we will find a couple of cute guys on the trip.”

“I don’t think this is that kind of train sweetheart.”

“I’ll keep my fingers crossed anyway.”

They found their seats and sat down. Alex nearly trampled her sister trying to get the window seat. They felt the train rock beneath them. Alex looked out the window and watched as the station started to pass her by. She got comfortable in her seat and turned to Emma.

“How long is this trip going to be anyway?”

“It’s about twenty hours.”

“You’re kidding?”

“Nope, and that’s just the first part. We still have two buses and another train to take before where home.”

Alex pressed her head against the window and sighed. She looked back at Emma who was reading a magazine she had picked up from the seat next to her.

“What am I supposed to do for twenty hours?”

“I don’t know, sleep maybe.”

“Is there at least a dining car on this train?”

“Should be, why?”

“I think I’m going to get drunk for the trip…or at least a bit tipsy.”

Emma looked at her sister out of the corner of her eyes. She shook her head in slight disappointment and then went back to reading.

“Ok I’ll be back.”

Alex got out of her seat and headed toward the dining car. Emma watched and waited until Alex was out of sight. She put down the magazine and lay back in her seat.

“Time for a nap.”

She let out a sigh of contentment and snuggled in until she was comfortable. In a matter of seconds she was off to sleep.


Emma began to wake as she heard a loud beating sound outside of her window. She looked at her watch and realized she had been asleep for several hours. She looked around her car and noticed Alex wasn’t there. She sat up in her seat and slid over to the window.

“What the hell is that sound!”

She looked down out the window. All she saw was green scenery whipping past her. She looked to the left and then to the right, everything seemed to be normal. When she looked up her heart nearly jumped out of her chest. She saw a black helicopter hovering above the train. She jumped out of her seat and ran toward the dining car. As she raced through each car she noticed no one else had been riding the train. It had finally dawn on her that she and Alex fell into a trap. She busted through the door to the dining car. She saw Alex sitting at the bar.

“Alex!”

Alex turned to her sister and gave a quick smile. Emma rushed toward her with her hand outstretched. Alex noticed the fear plastered on her sisters face. As she rose from the bar she was thrown to the ground from an explosion that tore into the side of the train.