The heavy clank as the K4 coupled onto the old container train. Michelle unlocked the hand brakes while Powell was in the cab with me.
"Are you sure we have enough power? That's a pretty long train, Marvin."
"The hardest part is getting it started. If we're gonna have a race, we need to get this out of the way."
Michell gave the order: she beckoned us towards her. I set the reverser, giving the old engine some steam. I could hear it escaping out of the open cylinder cocks. I gave her a bit more. Suddenly, the terrible screeching of steel wheels on rails, followed by the heavy barking of the engine. I hit the sander, giving the engine that much more traction. The wheels found their place on the rails and began pushing the old train, you could hear the cracking of old bearings that haven't moved in 18 years. Now being pushed by a relic of history brought back to life. We moved at a snail's pace, slowly backing the train into as many sidings in the yard as we could to clear the line. Eventually, we settled to just leave the remainder on the largest yard siding, out of the way until we had ISO containers.
We were exhausted, covered in soot and grease from fixing up the cars and engine. I was ready to take a bath.
We called it a day and headed home.
YOU ARE READING
The Zombie Train The Transport Corp
Science FictionThe Salinas Vally is secure, allies are assured, but the work isn't over yet. Moving things around this new country is a never ending job. Now it's time for politics, as the Democratic Society of the United States grows bit by bit. But an enemy loom...
