Fragments of a Broken Timeline [Book 3]

Ch.17 Runaway Train!

"Okay, eyes front, everyone!" Bentley called the meeting to attention. "The clock is ticking on this one, so we don't have time to monkey around! Toothpick's gold train is already rolling, and with the incorporation of our van, it's virtually impossible to stop. Thankfully, Tennessee was able to divert the train's route, which gives us the chance we need to catch it. First, Murray, you're going to get the van back! It's positioned near the rear of the train, acting almost like a booster rocket. It's going to take your considerable fighting skills just to reach the van, so be prepared. The catch though, is that it's being secured with a set of magnetic locks, which can only be broken by someone of your immense strength. Once the van is free, you'll be able to catch the train and pick each of us up as we complete our tasks." Bentley explained as Murray gave an enthusiastic nod. "Carmelita, you and I will tackle the next set of cars. I need you to use your peerless marksmanship and cover me while we make our way forward. It won't be easy; the train is crawling with guards and they'll be gunning for both of us! Our goal is to reach a computer terminal near the middle of the train, where I'm going to do a little hacking. As we already know though, Toothpick cannot stand high-pitched frequencies, particularly whistles. So, I'll reroute the power controls of the steam whistles on the train engine -- something tells me this will come in handy when we finally reach him. Sly, Rae, ancestors, you're up next. You both will split into teams, with the gunslingers in team A and thieves for team B. Now, to ensure we stop Toothpick, we'll need to cover all possible escape routes. So, Sly, Rae, you both are gonna take the roofs of the following train cars while Tennessee and Gerogia move through the interiors, where we should be able to reclaim your gold along the way, but your gunslinging will definitely be put to the test. All four of you should reach the engine car around the same time, where you can take Toothpick down, and the rest of us will catch up to you in the van. One last thing: Don't forget that we're a team, and that's the only way we're going to be able to pull this off! Everyone needs to execute their part of the plan perfectly if we're going to get the van, steal the gold, and stop Toothpick. Sly, Rae, I'm looking at both of you, so play nice... Now, with all that said, let's move out!"

With the presentation complete, both Sly and Rae shared a glance, only for the fox to be the first to get up from the table so she could go prepare for the mission. A team, huh? As of right now, it certainly doesn't feel like it... However, if it means putting a stop to that damn armadillo, then I'll have to bite the bullet on this one, as much as I'm against this...

Meanwhile, as Rae walked off, Sly let out an audible sigh. "Guess she's still giving me the silent treatment..." He muttered.

Carmelita then approached the sulking raccoon, placing her hand against the table. "So, you wanna tell me what you screwed up this time, Ringtail?"

"No, not really... I'm not in a sharing mood right now..." Sly replied.

Carmelita rolled her eyes. "Look, it's no secret that there's clearly some tension between you two, so what's up? Usually you two are always giving each other a look and flirting, like, all the time, but now, it's just...silence. It's almost unsettling..."

"Glad to know our lover's affairs are so interesting you all of a sudden, Inspector, but again, I'm not in a sharing mood and don't feel like talking about it. However, you're free to try and ask Rae herself since she won't even say a word to me..." Sly said, sulking even more.

Carmelita sighed, rolling her eyes. "You know, I've known you longer, so I'm starting to see why she isn't talking to you right now... However, I'll just leave this be for the time being so we can focus on this mission, because the sooner I can get back to Paris, the better." And with that, Carmelita walked off, Sly sighing again.