Jake X (1) Multiverse Fugitive
Page 10
Inside the train conversation was impossible with the I/I device on. Then Dr Tung switched it off and sound returned. But now the roaring wind, the bellowing of the steam engine and the screech of wheels on the rusty track made conversation extremely difficult. The rail tracks were badly worn and not in alignment. This caused the vehicle to rock and sway like an enraged animal. This violent bucking made even staying aboard difficult. In fact, at speed there was the definite possibility of suddenly being thrown out over the side. Yet Dr Tung did not appear to be at all concerned about their frantic and dangerous speed.
He shouted into Jake's ear, asking for the railway line map.
It had been hidden in Jake's pack.
Hanging on to a door strap, Jake retrieved the map and handed it to Dr Tung.
The doctor carefully inspected a small section of the map.
“We must find somewhere to hide,” he shouted.
“Impossible!” Jake yelled back. “There is no place to hide on a railway line! We are completely exposed! In any case, we will soon be derailed and killed when we hit points. The driver is a speed maniac! I am a fully qualified engine driver and know these things!”
“Cheer up! shouted the doctor. “This map shows two sidings between Molesworth and Cathkin. They both have large sheds. They will hide our vehicles!”
Dr Tung shouted to Driver Garret. “Begin slowing after milepost 90. We will investigate a possible hiding place somewhere beyond.”
“Wilco!” shouted Driver Garret.
The two coupled vehicles raced on. Shortly, they began slowing as they passed a derelict station. Soon they were rolling along quite sedately as they neared a junction. A siding ran to the left. It led into a shed made from corrugated iron. The shed had numerous holes in the roof and it was streaked with rust.
A few old trucks were rotting away in the siding.
They stopped,.Dr Tung studied the shed and siding.
“Good!” he said, apparently satisfied.
“Move on!” he said. “Down the line you will see another junction. Stop again.”
With Driver Garret controlling the train, they rolled slowly over the rusted track, passing a line of old coaches standing derelict. Eventually they reached a second junction and Driver Garret brought them to a stand.
The new junction was a carbon copy of the first.
The doctor appeared to reach a decision. He pointed to the shed.
“FIDO!” he said. “Oil the points ahead of the train and pull them so that we can travel into the junction. Then, enter the Enter that shed and set up four machine guns! Aim each gun out of a window. Put a full clip in each gun and rig to auto fire under radio control.”
The robot picked up a pack and immediately left his seat at the rear or the vehicle. He oiled the points before pulling them over, then walked up the line to the shed and vanished inside.
Doctor Tung spoke to Drive Garret.: “Move forward to the shed. Pick up FIDO when he is reappearsready. Reverse onto the main line.” he said. “Return to the first junction. We'll get under cover there.”
They shunted down the siding. At the entrance to the shed, FIDO appeared and climbed aboard. They reversed onto the main line. FIDO climbed out and switched the points back before climbing back inside in his usual athletic manner. They reversed to a position ahead of the first set of points. FIDO again climbed out and oiled the points before throwing them. They proceeded into the shed.
FIDO now turned off the firebar and the steam train slowly cooled,
Shortly, FIDO came out of the shed and placed the I/I device about half way down the rail yard. He switched the device on. The track into the shed suddenly vanished.. The robot then pulled the points on the main line back to the straight ahead position. Finally, he returned to the rail trolley parked inside the shed.
Chapter 11
Two matching cards….