The railway brakes decelerated the train creating a deafening squeal blessedly muffled through the cars. Kasa and her cabin-mate both winced at the grating sound as they prepared for departure. Her pack was sealed and contained her necessities and a personal medical kit, her money and tickets were hidden in inner pockets, the ashes of the fallen were in hand, and her dagger tucked away safely. Hippocratic oath or not, she did not want to be seen as easy prey.
The only item she hadn’t readied was her journal. She had been drawing the past four days and though the sketches were poorly executed it had kept her entertained. Her cabin-mate had never spoken and she had never even learned his name as he ignored her presence. That was why she had decided to nickname him ‘Mr. Grumpy-kitty’. She’d greatly enjoyed adding angrily adorable comments under the various awful portraits she’d crafted of him.
She scooped those into her pack and grinned to herself wondering if she would have more opportunities to draw people on her trip. She would soon discover, as she passed a clockwork and a chubby man in conductor uniforms, that she would have no shortage of subjects as she left the familiar train and entered the Hub Station, Aquila VI.
Massive green pillars supported a half-dome protecting them from the elements, while numerous tracks ran through the center of the train station allowing for the locomotives to pass through and drop off passengers undeterred by other transports. Bridges and stairs were located at the end of each walkway allowing the pedestrians freedom of movement, guarded by large clockwork sentries. Several children were standing in the center of a bridge eagerly waiting for the train to pass underneath them.
The train yard beyond the passenger area was for unloading cargo trains. She could see jumpers diligently working in the summer heat while clockwork guards stood at attention. More, teams of metal horses pulled heavy machinery into position, while crab bots wiped down the train with sponges.
The bunny moreau knew that there was even more to this ‘city’ than she could see now. This hub was operated by the Lovelace institute and dedicated itself to connecting the cities of the former Empire by rail and air. Their dedication to connecting everyone showed in the diversity of the people passing each other without barriers. Like Babbage there were no separate entrances saying Human, Moreau, or Clockwork, which she had been worried about for a short time. Fortunately for her, this was not Ravila or one of the cities like it.
However, some did not appear enthusiastic to be in a place that intermingled species. She tried to avoid a group of them on the bridge and bumped into the cloaked man who had taken her private cabin.
The man didn’t look back at her or speak as he nursed his bruised jaw. He was carrying a single heavy bag which had a name engraved on the side. She caught the name and stopped in surprise wondering if she had read it correctly. Had that said Nicholas Herding? Why would he have bought out her private car or be heading to a place like this?
She had stopped to stare at him as he passed, and this caused her to get bowled over by someone else who had not been watching where she was going. The two fell over with startled yelps, Kasa clutching the urn with both arms trying to protect it as she fell. She landed on her side holding the urn closed desperately.
The other woman apologized and tried to help Kasa back to her feet as a clockwork arrived to offer assistance. The bunny looked around for a moment, she could still see ‘Nicholas’ in the crowd but he was much further away. Before she raced after him the woman who had knocked her over placed a furry paw on her shoulder.
“Sorry about that. Should have been watching where I was going.” The red furred moreau said as she tipped her hat at Kasa. “You okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine,” She replied as the man disappeared into the crowd. People passed her and the other woman as they stalled on the upper walkway. Kasa sighed and looked back at the vixen wearing a rugged brown jacket and pants.
“Hope, I didn’t make you lose a friend in this mess,” the fox gestured at the crowd who parted around them. “I’d be happy to help you look if you need. My name is Nadina, Nadina Leth.”
“Kasa Binda,” Kasa replied introducing herself as she set her hat quietly. “But no, it was definitely not a friend and I don’t want to talk to him.” He had reminded her of Beryl and the riot. Not knowing her fate and what happened had been tearing at her for days now. She wanted to send a telegraph for days and was supposed to be here at least two or three days waiting for her next departure. “Do you know the way to the telegraph station?”
“Yeah, I’ve been here a few times, and got some time to spend. My train to Babbage doesn’t leave till tomorrow.” Nadina replied with a shrug as she led the way.
“Interesting. I just came from Babbage,” Kasa replied with a soft smile. “You’ll probably like it there.”
“I should, it won’t be my first trip,” Nadina chuckled as they reached the far end of the tracks. She paused to eye a couple of canine moreau before she asked another question, “Where are you headed?”
“Wuldram Shores next to Aquila IX,” Kasa replied without thinking about it. “I have to deliver some ashes and then see a few of the sights.”
“I’ve been there too!” Nadina exclaimed, and then giggled at how her own excitement had overcome her. “Sorry, it’s just the entire area is rich in forgotten histories! If you can get there before it snows early in October is best, but the wildlife is dangerous all year!”
“You’re some kind of a history chaser?” Kasa mused to which Nadina nodded. “Well, I should be out of there long before October. Maybe I’ll see something I can report back if you’re still in Babbage.”
Kasa spoke confidently about returning long before it snowed, but after returning from the telegraph station she discovered her train would be delayed a week.
Yay!