Travels of Jack Pynesapp
Book 2: Red and Jimmy
Chapter 7;
A soft female voice said; "Please find an empty seat and, while sitting down, activate your ticket. Once your ticket is validated you will be assigned to that seat for the duration of your trip with us. You may then move about the train at your pleasure and your seat will be reserved for your return. Thank you for choosing United Rail and have an enjoyable journey."
Red's phone said; "Your ticket has been accepted to Chicago. You have reserved seat 305-14-2. Thank you."
Red and Jimmy settled in as the train took off. The only sensation of motion was the pressure of their backs against the seats as they accelerated. That, and an almost imperceptible feeling like they were falling. The conductor was standing by the seat across the isle from them. The lady who was sitting there, asked him about this. He said that some are more sensitive to the sensation than others, and that standing up and turning around a couple times usually helps. He said that it's only a brief sensation, while the train is speeding up, and it will end when the train reaches full speed.
Red's phone said; "Your ticket has been accepted to Chicago. You have reserved seat 305-14-2. Thank you."
Red and Jimmy settled in as the train took off. The only sensation of motion was the pressure of their backs against the seats as they accelerated. That, and an almost imperceptible feeling like they were falling. The conductor was standing by the seat across the isle from them. The lady who was sitting there, asked him about this. He said that some are more sensitive to the sensation than others, and that standing up and turning around a couple times usually helps. He said that it's only a brief sensation, while the train is speeding up, and it will end when the train reaches full speed.
"A clue." Jimmy whispered to Red.
"Arthur called it a 'gravity drive' so I guess it makes sense."
They had been watching for Arthur -- and anyone else who looked like they were watching -- as they waited for the train and then boarded. Nobody seemed the least interested in this young couple. Red had commented that this probably just meant that whoever was following them was very good at their job.
"I still don't know why you think anybody would be interested in us." Jimmy laughed. "You're just being paranoid."
"Shut up." Red said, "And keep an eye out for anything suspicious." She stood up and turned around like she was having problems with the falling sensation. As she turned she looked at the people in the other seats. The car was nearly full. People were busy settling in: adjusting their seats, taking out blankets and pillows, taking out various things to read, work with or play with or just looking out the windows. Nobody paid her any attention so she sighed and settled back down next to Jimmy.
"See anything?"
"No."
"Told ya." Jimmy scoffed.
"Just keep watching." Red scolded.
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The sensation that they were getting heavier was the only way Red and Jimmy could tell they were approaching Albuquerque. This was an express train so Kansas City would be the only other stop before Chicago.
The lady across the isle was gathering up her things and getting up to leave.
Three hours had passed since leaving L.A. Red was getting hungry so she opened the diner app.
"Let's get something to eat." She said to Jimmy. "There are two seats available in the dinning car right now. Should I reserve them?"
"Sounds great." Jimmy agreed.
They were seated at an empty table (so far) and they ordered two cheese burgers and fries.
"No company this time?" Jimmy observed.
"It's kinda late and maybe people don't like eating during take-off. But don't worry, maybe someone will show. "
"I'm not complaining."
Nobody did show up to join them and Red and Jimmy ate in relative silence.
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As they approached their seats, Red nudged Jimmy and pointed to the man sitting in the seat across the isle that the lady had vacated. He was looking out the window as they sat down.
"Did you enjoy your dinner?" He asked the window.
Red looked at him and said; "Hello Arthur."
"Told ya." Jimmy scoffed.
"Just keep watching." Red scolded.
----------------------------------------------------
The sensation that they were getting heavier was the only way Red and Jimmy could tell they were approaching Albuquerque. This was an express train so Kansas City would be the only other stop before Chicago.
The lady across the isle was gathering up her things and getting up to leave.
Three hours had passed since leaving L.A. Red was getting hungry so she opened the diner app.
"Let's get something to eat." She said to Jimmy. "There are two seats available in the dinning car right now. Should I reserve them?"
"Sounds great." Jimmy agreed.
They were seated at an empty table (so far) and they ordered two cheese burgers and fries.
"No company this time?" Jimmy observed.
"It's kinda late and maybe people don't like eating during take-off. But don't worry, maybe someone will show. "
"I'm not complaining."
Nobody did show up to join them and Red and Jimmy ate in relative silence.
-----------------------
As they approached their seats, Red nudged Jimmy and pointed to the man sitting in the seat across the isle that the lady had vacated. He was looking out the window as they sat down.
"Did you enjoy your dinner?" He asked the window.
Red looked at him and said; "Hello Arthur."
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