The Zombie Train The Transport Corp

Chapter 30: Rivalry

Engineer's log No 25 9/11/23

What the hell happened on that train? Jonathan was one of our best engineers, even better than me I'd say! Why did he crash an engine into our base? And rail marshal Tyler, he helped me get the 844 into its shed back in Gonzales. He was a good friend, but now I don't even who who are my real friends. I know me and Jonathan had some bad blood, but why crash an engine and kill a man? The outpost in King City has reported that they're under siege, I could only infer why. Something about this doesn't add up, an enemy won't just charge headlong into you without a reason. The burial for marshal Tyler is tomorrow, the entire Transport Corp will be there. Sadly I'll still be in bed rest. I'll pray for him tonight. I can only hope he's in a better place.

Marvin Jerez
Secretary of Transportation

I laid sitting up, laptop in front of me, reviewing all his previous reports. Nothing out of the usual, just an original M1928 Thompson stollen on his watch. But things like that happen more often than I'd like to admit.
Momma came in with another cup of tea, swapping it with a cup I had just finished.
"Thank you."
"Your welcome." She sat down next to me. "So what are you gonna do?"
"I don't know. We lost two of our best engineman, a marshal, and an engine. I can't imagine another engine that can replace it."
She looked down, then shuffled to make herself more comfortable on my bed. "Here's a thought, how about you fix the one at the train museum at Salinas?"
I chuckled, "That old thing? The boiler tubes are almost completely rusted through."
She knew enough to know there was no feasible way, outside of a complete rebuild.
"Oh, just wondering."
"Thanks though. But right now... three people dead or missing, I can only imagine what Dai is thinking right now."
"Well... he probably has a lot more people to take care of then just you."
I laughed again, the doorbell rang.
"Ooh? Seems like there's someone at the door." She exited the room, she came back with Powell.
"Hey boss."
"Hey Powell." I said in my raspy voice. "Everything going okay?"
"Yeah, so far. We miss you out there."
"See! They miss you." Momma motioned at me. "Sorry."
"No problem Mrs. P. It's just... things haven't really been the same."
"Why? Still aren't warming up to Will?"
"I heard that!" Will came in behind the two, pushing around to grab a seat on Gregory's bed. "Here I brought you something." He had a 45 caliber round, "Found this at the wrecksite. Figured you should have it."
"Okay, thank you for all your support, but it looks like Marvin needs his sleep."
"Alright." Will got up.
"No problem Mrs. P." Powell said with his hands up in surrender. "I'll see you in a bit Marvin."
As Momma showed them out, I twirled the round in my hand. But something about it seemed off, it didn't feel right. I figured I would investigate it later, a sip from the now cold tea, falling straight to sleep.