'America'

Tickets for the train were hard to come by, considering the new railcar was a breakthrough in science. As the world was on the brink of war again, and the prices of goods and resources skyrocketed out of control, the train represented a new beacon of hope for humanity.

Electric papers and instavideos boasted of the train’s ability to transport citizens to an otherwordly destination- a new Earth, called Caelum, named for its divine atmosphere and ideal living conditions.

The train itself could hold up to one thousand passengers without difficulty. Its look was influenced by the old forgotten locomotives of the mid 20th century, and upon viewing, it looked heavy and clunky; but broadcasting agencies boasted at its new metals and lightness that gave it its super abilities to reach up to 186,282.4 miles per second when on its track. Famed Senator Frank Armstrong of Rhode Island, gave a long speech with his wife and young son beside him, that spanned across countries. Upon seeing the train reach immeasurable speed and then simply disappear into another dimension he stated, “I just could not believe my own eyes. Completely astonishing...Our scientists have invented— with persistence, sacrifice, and determination— the impossible. Where Musk had paved the way over more than a half a century ago, we have picked up the call and completed a new hope for America, for the world. Earthlings now have complete, safe passage to Caleum. ” He leaned into his wife, smiled, and placed his hand palm up, beckoning to the camera, “Won’t you join us?”

His genuine warmth, was said, to have felt like a kind ray of comfort that entombed itself in the hearts of the people. The next day the media’s headlines read, ‘America Does The Impossible: A Brave New World Awaits It’s Colinization.’ The following day, citizens across the globe nicknamed the miraculous locomotive invention- ‘America.’ _____________________________________________

As Ethan sat alone with Mr. Donahue at his imposing dining room table —the dinner plates cleared by Priscilla moments ago —he found himself for first time, uneasy with his host. It was only seconds ago that his best friend, Alex, excused himself to help Mrs. Donahue the kitchen with a broken coffee machine, but it felt like an eternity. Mr Donahue played with his mustache while meticulously folding his used napkin again. A wall full of hanging electronic pictures caught Ethan's eyes before Mr Donahue finally spoke:

“So, Alex tells me that you are at the top of your class at MIT.”

“Yes, I guess so. So they tell me.”

“That’s impressive… I’m always after Alex to study harder, make more of an effort. Hard work is essential to getting somewhere in this life— but, I think he likes the more laid back approach. Get’s it from my wife’s side of the family.” Mr. Donahue pursed his lips together and then flashed a scrupulous smile. “But I’m glad he’s met such a intelligent person as yourself.”

“Alex is such a kind person, Mr. Donahue. And he’s also a really top engineer himself.”

“Let’s not embellish his abilities; I know his grades.”

“Well.” Ethan akwardly cleared his throat. “I think you have a tremendous son.”

“There’s no doubt, one day, he’ll come into his own. He’s just not there quite yet.”

The two shared a distinguished look but it was Ethan who looked away first, down at the old oak table. Just then, Priscilla reentered with plated dessert cakes and delicately placed them at each seat.

“Your parents must be extraordinarily proud.”

“I think they would be, but, unfortunately they’re not around. They died when I was four.”

“Ah, I see. I’m sorry to hear that.”

“The State pretty much raised me, and for that, I am grateful. Going through the system, it was really tough, but it helped me learn a great deal.”

Mr. Donahue pierced his delicate pastry with his desert fork and put it to his lips.

“And what are some of the things have you learned, my Boy?”

“The struggles of the people-- the average, the poor, the destitute.”

Mr. Donahue put down his fork.

“Now that’s a subject matter we could really get into, couldn’t we…Very hard world we live in these days. Very difficult. My heart goes out to those that are suffering.”

"Their suffering is an epidemic. Resources are hard to come by, and now with more than three fourths of the population not having access to clean water for its fourteen billion people, it's criminal. Too many politician's burying their heads in the sand..."

Mr Donahue gave an uncomfortable look towards the kitchen.

"I'm sorry. Apologies." said Ethan.

"No bother." He reached into his coat pocket and looked at the time. "It's Mrs. Donahue's on the other hand, she can get anxious when politics are spoken at the table."

"I understand."

Mr. Donahue stabbed his pastry, and its delicate strawberry jam peaked from its flakey layers. He looked over at Priscilla—

“Just delicious, Priscilla—- You know, her family comes from El Salvador?”

Priscilla nodded, but struggled to reply.

“Es un placer concerte, Priscilla…”

Priscilla’s face turned a delicate red. It had been a while since anyone talked to her in her native language.

“Gracias.”

Mr Donahue carefully looked Ethan over, wiped his mouth and found a hint of the strawberry jam on the napkin. He handed it to Priscilla as she skirted away. Like a playful puppy, Alex charged in with his mother close behind with a tray of coffee. —

“Got that old batty machine figured out. Don’t know why you two want to keep it when you guys can easily get a Mak 6000.”

“Alex, please don’t make fun of me”, she fluttered about, “I like traditional things. You won’t find a robot in this house. I just won’t.”

On the walls, the photoelectric frames changed images again behind Mr Donahue, revealing a happy family of three some years back.

Alex gestured around the dining room-- “Yes, Ethan, we are very conventional here in case you haven’t noticed. —- Anyways, what’d I miss? Did Ethan tell you about all his patents he’s working on? I think he’s really on to something quite amazing.”

“No, I haven’t mentioned it yet…”

The air became thick with the smell of fresh coffee and silence. It wasn’t until Mr. Donahue’s clinked his spoon against the porcelain cup did he finally reply—

“You know, this 'America' locomotive… What an incredible invention. I’ve met Senator Armstrong and what I think he has accomplished is unparalleled. His ability to figure out a way to move the masses to Caleum. Employing only the top scientists- harnessing Element 115—- just astounding. And now, I hear that he is taking the underprivledged: the poor, the hungry, the homeless.”

Alex chimed in: “I don’t think he should charge them anything if you ask me”—-

“He should! He’s not charging them much by any stretch of their pocket—- a thousand dollars a ticket--—- That’s practically nothing these days—”

“That could be a big deal to some, Dad--.”

“And don’t forget, people value of what they've earned through their hard work. Don’t rob them of that.”

“Most of our friends have left on America already; why haven’t we, Dad?”

“Business obligations, my dear Alex. We will go soon enough."

“The next train apparently leaves tomorrow, and I’m sure at some point, Priscilla would like to be on it…”

Mr Donahue observed Priscilla awaiting in the wings, sweeping the floor like a buzzing bee.

“We will pay for Priscilla’s ticket when it's time.”

Alex turned to his gentle friend: “Ethan, what do you think of this locomotive?”

He contemplated his friend’s question and meloncholy eyes. For some time, Ethan had hoped someone of Mr Donahue’s distinction would listen to his thoughts on the auspicious locomotive, but now he felt it wasn’t his place. He gazed at Mrs Donahue who had a delightful twinkle in her eye of anticipation. Mr Donahue, though, folded his hands towards his heart, his eyes of a certain sharpness.

Ethan paused and then with his own free volition: “I don’t know. I've seen the videos, but there’s something about it… It just doesn’t feel right…”

Mrs Donahue quickly firmed up in her chair and gleefully sang … “But Caleum! Caleum! Caleum is real!”

Mr. Donahue grasped her hand tenderly, kissed it, and in a low timbre whispered across the table, “One day, Ethan, I’d like to show you the locomotive, America. She’s really something. One day. I’d really like to.”

He stood up, made his way to the sidecar stand with large bottles of brown liquor and poured himself a glass, and then Ethan a glass…

“Here my Boy, let’s have a toast to the future! To a better tomorrow- for all mankind. A better and brave new world.”

That evening, Ethan, Mr. Donahue and Alex, ldrank whiskey and talked about all things delightful and terrible as the digital picture frames encircled them; playfully concluding on a photograph of Senator Armstrong and Mr. Donahue sharing a laugh together at a convention. __________________________________________________

When Ethan awoke on the locomotive; he had no recollection of how he had gotten there. There was no ticket in his hand. No familiar faces in the crowd. The air lay heavy like a dense blanket of sweat and spices. A thick pounding headache was all he could comprehend from the drinking at Alex's house that evening. Had they put him on a train? He couldn't remember asking for a ride back to his dorm.

A little girl pulled at his coat--

"Are you ready?", she said.

"Ready for what?," Ethan replied.

"To go to Caleum."

"How's that?"

"You're on America, silly!"

Just then the little girl's mother pulled at her aback.

"You leave him alone, Olivia. We're almost about to take off..."

Olivia sunk down in defeat towards her mother but then eagerly spluttered "I'm r-e-a-d-y!"

Ethan could hardly believe it. He tried to stand up but his head was throbbing too hard to make sense of anything.

A welcoming male robotic voice interrupted over the intercom system that translated itself into different languages:

'Welcome aboard! You're on America; the first successful large quantum transport designed after the famous mid century locomotives of Eastern Europe. Scientists from all over the world have came together to defy modern science. Don't believe us, just watch the testimonials from Senator Armstrong, President Parsons, and Governor Johnson already now living on Caleum. No need for space suites or helmets, we figured that out through extensive testing and research: Just make sure you fasten your seatbelt when we reach our climatic speeds, and enjoy the ride. As for now, just sit back, and relax and imagine your new life on Caleum. And thank you for choosing America. We've got it all figured out, so you don't have to.... We will embark momentarily. Once in motion, there is no exiting the train.

Olivia made a funny face to her mother, and she returned it with an affectionate touch: "I wish your father was hear to see us. He would be so proud."

The railcar kicked off with a heavy knock of its wheels against its axle, and a dark metal shield dropped over its exposed windows. Cheers exploded from the cars with a thunderous applause. Shouts of affirmations, handshakes and embraces were exchanged between the passengers, but Ethan didn't like it. A creeping ache in his gut began to nag for attention. Amidst the shrieks and bellows of excitement, a familiar voice beckoned through the crowd.

"Ethan, Ethan Gomez Liptovsky. Ethan!!-- " barked Alex. "Anyone..? I'm looking for my friend, Ethan Gomez Liptovsky." One man in a side cap, and an old woolen sweater shook Alex's hand with fervor and exclaimed drunkingly -"Caleum, Caleum!"

"Yes! Yes! But-- I'm looking for my friend."

Ethan stood with all his strength and yelled back, "Over here, Alex."

Alex beamed and made his way over.

"God, I'm glad to see you! Phew! This train is packed."

"What are you doing here... And how'd you know I'd be here," Ethan retored.

"Oh man, it wasn't easy... Let's just say I know a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy, so I got a ticket early this morning as fast as I could." He smiled at Olivia across from him.

"But how did you know I'd be here? Cause I don't even remember buying a ticket or getting on..."

"My dad said you would be. He's a crotchety old fellow, isn't he...? Apparently in your drunken stupor you exclaimed you were going to buy a ticket, and here you are... Am I right?"

"I don't think so, I can't even find my wallet..."

"That's odd... Look there. On the ground!" Alex pointed to the floorboards of the car and Ethan pulled up a perforated red paper ticket that read, 'Ethan Gomez Liptovsky, customs #847562'.

"Guess the old man was right," Alex smirked.

"But my wallet."

"Meh, don't worry. When we get to Caleum, the world will be our oyster. Settlers in the New World. "

The locomotive picked up speed.

Little Olivia clung to her mother, and complained about the lack of view, but Mother told her it was completely normal not to see out the windows. Like rats in cages Ethan thought to himself. He closed his eyes, and digested all the symphonic sounds of the railcar- baby cries, snores, whistles, laughs, hooplas, and the occasional flatulences, particularly by an elderly woman who talked in her sleep. He wondered how many passengers of different nationalities were on thy train. Maybe Mr. Donahue was right? Maybe it was ‘the beacon’ of hope that humanity needed?

Alex gave Ethan a playful punch to the arm.

"Boy, this is exciting. Think of all the wonderful things we'll see on this new earth... I didn't even tell my dad I was joining you. I'm sure he'll loose his marbles once he finds out. I know how badly he wanted to go... I just texted him before I boarded the train. Apparently, your cell stops working once you enter through the doors..Check yours. I bet you have no signal."

Ethan pulled out his phone from his coat pocket and gawked at it in disbelief. "Mine's dead. Which is strange because I had it fully charged when I was at your parent's place."

"I don't know what to tell you. My dad said that you got in a black autosedan last night with a CP3 and that was that. You know I passed out early so God knows what you two talked about after I went to bed."

As the train continued to sprint; the rambunctious mob stomped and hollered--

"So, when do you think we will get there? I give it just a few hours...There's no turning back now."

"No there isn't," Ethan replied.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it just all feels all so particularly fast. Caleum was just discovered less than thirty years ago...Feels so unbelievably strange."

"I think you're just afraid of all the extraordinary possibilities that life has to offer. Believe. Or Don't... But just think of everyone who's endorsed this train -- including my dad. How could they all be wrong?"

But Mr. Briteman, Ethan thought; Mr. Briteman was circumspect about the futuristic locomotive. A small rotund man, no taller than 5'6, that carried a newspaper every morning beneath his underarm to class would proclaim in front of the projection board: "Sharp minds, kind hearts-- may you seize the day in truth and fortitude." He was Ethan's favorite professor. But Mr. Briteman never returned to teach that day after America took its first voyage. He was replaced quickly by a delicate 'Mrs. Haggel' who discouraged the word 'question'..."Stomach cancer," it was announced, all over the school. And in his last days, Ethan sat by Mr. Briteman's bedside, and cried.

"Regardless, I'm glad we are in this together." Alex gave Ethan a brotherly pat on the shoulder, and Ethan's apprehension temporarily subsided.

Suddenly, with an unexpected jolt, the locomotive came to a screeching halt, causing some passengers to collide against the metal frames. An unbearable smell of burning metal filled the railcar. America's travelers shared conspicuous glances of concern.

"Mommy, what's going on?"

Mother replied, "I'm not sure. But there must be a good reason. Here, distract yourself. Color."

Mother handed Olivia a box of chalk and loose paper.

Alex looked around for a sign of relief. "I'm going to go find out what this mayhem is all about. This is unacceptable. People can get hurt."

Just then, the metal shields lifted from the windows, and the strange smell of charcoal permeated through the car. Passengers plugged there noses and fidgeted about. To Ethan's surprise, they were rested in a dried, deserted field with no signs of any life. The clearing looked more like a dead wasteland than a railroad stargate. Two androids dressed in red uniforms entered the car, a disclosed revolver pocketed to their sides. Clasping what appeared to be photograph in their digits, they started to inspect the passengers. The familiar intercom voice system interrupted in convulsion: Don't believe us. Just watch these testimonials: We've got it figured out, so you don't have to... Welcome aboard! We've got it figured out so you don't have to... Science. We've got it figured--

"ALEX, ALEXANDER DONAHUE! ALEX, ALEXANDER DONAHUE! WE ARE LOOKING FOR ALEXANDER DONAHUE! YOU MUST COME WITH US," exclaimed the two faceless androids.

Alex folded himself into Ethan. "What the hell is going on?" And before Ethan could answer, one of the uniformed bots pointed at Alex.

"Alex Donahue. you must come with us. You are under arrest for buying a fraudulent ticket to board America. You must exit the train now."

"And what if I refuse?" insisted Alex.

"Then--" The larger android flashed his revolver to Alex.

Ethan's mind momentarily stopped. All he could fixate on was the unusual symbol on the droid's service caps. He had seen it before-- A strange black spiral with arms-- but he couldn't recall where. He clasped Alex's shoulder in reflex, but Alex arose and took command:

"If you must take me, then so be it. But you have no idea of who you are incarcerating. My father is Nicholas J. Donahue, and once he hears of this, you both will be reprimanded."

The two androids remained stoic. Their mirror like faces only revealed Alex's heated aggression.

"Come with us now. No exceptions."

The smaller droid, handcuffed Alex's hands while the larger reported on his wristband, "Obtained."

"Well, my friend, it looks like Caleum will have to wait. Be brave, and I know I'll hear great things about you in the near future."

And with a swift push, Alex was escorted off the train. But Ethan's eyes never left his friend. As Alex stepped off the platform and onto the dock, there appeared to be on its ledge, a distinguished gentleman with a mustache wearing a red cap. It was Mr. Donahue; his eyes glued fervently on his son. Bewildered to see his father in his presence, Alex raised his head to speak, but Mr. Donahue raised his hand and slapped Alex across the face. And then, embraced him with a cloak. In the shadows, Mrs. Donahue cried, staring at the monstrous locomotive, America, saying under her breath: “America: I just can’t believe it. It can’t be. America.”

An intercom voice emerged: Please excuse the technical difficulties. We will be back on schedule shortly. Please relax and enjoy your ride to Caleum. We've got it figured out, so you don't have to. Science!

And just like that, the window's metal gate folded down and the locomotive began its move. Ethan was alone, again. But something was utterly terribly wrong. What was going on? Who were those men, and what affiliation did Mr. Donahue have with them. A sudden dizziness hit Ethan and his palms began to sweat profusely. The train ramped its engine as Olivia cried, "I want to be there now!" What's taking so long."

Ethan's stomach started to churn, and sweat began to head down his forehead. It was a discomfort he had only felt once in his life when he saw his parents passed away. He looked up for any current air flow in the vents, but there only appeared to be peculiarly small sprinkler heads on the canopy. Curiously, he touched the prutruding head and felt no sign of liquid, but his fingers had a faint smell of bitter almonds. Ethan's throat began to slightly close and he had a strange vision of horror.

"Are you ok?," asked Olivia.

But Ethan could barely speak. Could it be? Could it be that there were alternative plans for the locomotive. Deathly plans. No, he thought. That was a myth. There had been no such person reported in history that had done such a thing. It was proven to be a conspiracy theory over time and the greatest political minds of this century had agreed, the infamous World War II had never happened; at least the way it had been described in books in the mid 2000's.

Olivia pointed to her chalk drawing on the floor, a beautiful star system at her feet.

"I ran out of paper," she professed. "Don't tell Mother though, she wants to sleep."

But something caught Ethan's eye. A piece of the floorboards was loosely coming undone.

An announcement came upon the intercom system that translated itself to many languages: We will reach our destination within the hour. As we pick up more speed, it is imperative, that everyone stays in their seats to ensure safety protocols. Once seat belts are locked, America will take to the heavens. Please note, that all passengers must wear their seat belts once the captain has put on the seatbelt sign. During take off, some may experience slight dizziness and nausea as your body adjusts to the changes in atmosphere. A Bot4 will be by to hand you a bag if needed. But not to worry, these are only temporary sensations. Just sit back and relax, and imagine your new life on Caleum. We've got it figured out, so you don't have to. Science.

Ethan bent down to the bending floorboard, and dug his hand beneath the passing metal floor guards, and felt a flat like object resting between the trains layers. ‘Urgent! Open Immediatly!’ read the envelope covering. Inside was a small electronic picture screen, with the a button that read "play." It fit snugly within his palm.

"What is it?" asked Olivia.

"It's a video recording device."

"Ooohh, I've never had one of those before. What's on it?"

He looked around to a mostly quiet car.

"Let's find out, shall we?"

Within seconds, the device lit up, and an attractive woman appeared upon the screen: Hello my dear traveller, if you have found this video, it may not be too late. My name is Dr. Eliza Freeman, and I am a research scientist and member of the rogue resistance, Futile, against the SS. You are in grave danger. America is not a transport to Caleum, but a death locomotive to a crematorium. Unfortunately it is too late for myself and the others in the resistance. Most of us scientists and physicists were hired with the intention to help humanity; but it became apparent over the course of time, that the governments way to deal with humanity's growing numbers and limited resources was class genocide. You may not have heard of us, as I'm sure our names have been wiped from existence, but we are the first to have left for so called planet Caleum. If there is anything I must impart on you, you must act NOW, before it's too late.--

The video cut to old black and white footage, footage never revealed before to its citizens: internment camps, starvation, disease, torture, burning of bodies, and an infamous locomotive called Amerika; The WW11 fortress train, used specifically by a man named Adolf Hitler.

Ethan's hands began to tremor. His body began to pulsate. Little Olivia grabbed at Ethan’s sleeve.

"That was a scary video. I want to go home now. I don't want to go to Caleum."

Ethan could slowly taste the acidity of his stomach creep up from his belly. How could this be true? Any minute now, the intercom would surely come on and announce its seatbelt policy.

"Olivia, we need to show this video to everyone right now, ok. Get everyone's attention so we can make this known and work together so we can get off this train."

Olivia wrestled her mother awake.

"Mommy, we need to leave, Now!"

"What's happened?" she asked. "Olivia, what did you do?"

Ethan handed Mother the screen.

"It was buried beneath the floorboards."

Immediately, Mother gasped its importance. And as she watched, Mother's eyes retreated to an internal horizon; her face turned pale in color: "My cousin, he was a scientist. He disappeared some time ago. Without a trace... Said he was working on a new exciting project. It always felt so unreal."

"I'm deeply sorry. But if this is indeed true, which I believe in my heart to be the case, we have to act fast."

"But what are we going to do?"

"Figure it out together. How many languages do you speak?"

"Two fluently, maybe three. Polish-- Russian if I try to recall my grandmother's tongue."

"Good, follow me."

Ethan took to the middle of the railcar, planted his feet firmly to the floor, and held the electric screen in the air.

"Attention Everyone, in my hand, I have a video device with sensitive information regarding the plans for this train. It is imperative that we stop this train immediately. We are all in grave danger."

"Please," shouted Mother, "It is all true. We must act quickly, before it's too late."

But the passengers did not concede. Instead they whispered to one another like cooing pigeons, scoffing at the uproarious gesture.

"CALEUM DOES NOT EXIST! TODAY WE ARE HEADED TO OUR DEATHS!"

A small clamor of shouts and boos boasted through the car.

"Maybe some of them don't understand.--- Atención pasajeros, aquí tengo un dispositivo de video con información sensible sobre los planes de este tren. Es imperativo que detengamos este tren de inmediato, porque todos estamos en grave peligro."

Quickly, Mother followed suite and spoke in Polish and Russian as best she could.

But it was already too late, the intercom system broke out into a high pitch scream: The train is about ready to take liftoff. Please take your appropriate seat, and buckle up.

"NO, No. Please don't.- Watch! Watch the video. Watch the video!"

Time was running out. Once again, Ethan raised the small device into the air and presented the alarming video. This time, all watched with open eyes. Faces started to change shape, and howls of dread pierced the dead air.

Men and women frantically began banging on the side of the railcar, looking for a way out. Screaming. Shouting. Some began to faint from the overwhelming shock.

"We have to work together!," Ethan bellowed. We have to find a way out! If we can work together, it can be possible. We must try at all costs! All costs!..."

The disguised sprinkler heads poked from the the trains canopy as the train increased its speed.

"If it is indeed a steam locomotive, we must get to the firebox in the front of the train" shouted an elder. "I've worked on one of these, long time ago.”

A glimmer of hope softened the air, and the disabilitating panic subsided, for now.

____________________________________

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