"and in a single day and night of misfortune, the island of Atlantis, sank beneath the sea" Plato, 362 b.c.e.
(whhhhhhhhhhoooooooooooooshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh-boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmm)
(VERRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM)
"(you fool, you've cost us all our lives)"
"(the wave is gaining we need to warn Atlantis)"
"(it's too late!)"
this is the beginning of the end for the empire of Atlantis, the soldiers raced into the city passing a sentry who gasped in horror, then he raced to a voice amplifyer like device and shouted.
"(EVERYONE TO THE SHELTERS, EVERYONE TO THE SHELTERS)"
(bong-bong)
people scrambled around while the king and queen of Atlantis stared at the giant tsunami with horror and fear.
"(your highness this way)" said a guard.
on the other side of Atlantis, a group of warriors gasped in shock and that shock quickly turned into anger, the leader of the group snarled and said.
"(the fools, i warned them that the power of the crystal must never be used as a weapon of war but no, no one listens to me anymore)" he turned to his followers who where inside with him behind the crystal guardians, who had erected a barrier around the whole of Atlantis, what the leader of the warriors didn't know was that the crystal had chosen him and his group to remain alive for all time, and created a bubble like structure to keep them alive while the rest of Atlantis sank beneath the waves.
(Grand Bluffs, Oklahoma 2018)
It is not easy being a poor farm boy with big dreams and determination. I have longed to go on an incredible adventure that would become one for me to remember a long time. It started with a tale my Great Great Granddad once told me that was back in 1914. This story is long, but quite amazing, even though it would be my dad who told me that story as my Great Great Grandpa passed away before I was born. He was born on June 10, 1889 and died in 1989, eleven years before I was born. From what I was told, he and some fellow explorers went on a perilous journey to find the missing continent of Atlantis. Little did I know, I would soon be going on that same big adventure like my Grandpa did a hundred and four years ago.
Where are my manners? I am super sorry for not introducing myself. My name is Holland McCullough, but ya'll can call me, "Howlin' Mad", as I am ruthless in sports and shout a lot. My Great Great Grandpa is the late Camdyn Bradley, Petty Officer First Class, United States Navy. He was apart of the Thatch expedition that was organized to search for Atlantis back in 1914. He was serving in the U.S. Navy on board the U.S.S. Texas for 15 days before being asked to take part in the Atlantis Exploration by Mr. Whitmore. He came back five months later and by that time, the world was at war. He found out that his brother had been killed at the Battle of Mulhouse after volunteering to fight for the French Army at the beginning of the war. He would stay in the Navy and leave the battleship Texas to join the crew of the newly commissioned U.S.S. Oklahoma.
My Grandpa told me the story his grandpa told him about Officer Bradley. My granddad told me about it.
"Your great granddad told me about this here trip to Atlantis. He told me that they started the journey on board a massive submarine with hundreds of men and women. He was on the bridge with Commander Lyle Rourke, when….'BANG!'... they were then attacked by a creature that guards the entrance to Atlantis called the "Leviathan." Milo Thatch said that this is a machine and had destroyed ships from all eras. It destroyed the submarine, but the remaining survivors managed to escape to the pocket Thatch had described in a journal he found. They managed to find the pocket and continue the journey with what equipment they have left. They traveled for a long time, braving many perils and obstacles from scary monsters to deep drops. They then set camp by the bridge that would lead them to further. Until, they were attacked by these fireflies that set clothe on fire. They tried to cross the bridge but the weight of the equipment forced the bridge to collapse. Luckily, not a lot of people were hurt. However, the expert of their excavation group, Gaetan "Mole" Moliére, soon told them that they were on the bottom of an active volcano. Your Grandpa Camdyn had injured his leg in the fall and had to be carried by Joshua Sweet, the Chief Medical Officer of the team. Milo was wounded on his shoulder but was saved by these creatures who wear these special crystals around their necks. We followed them to a cliff where we were then surrounded by the same people that healed Milo. The leader of them started speaking and Milo did his best to speak back in their language, Atlantean."
I soon asked, "Do they know any other languages?"
"Why yes kiddo! They sure do. As Old Man Camdyn said, 'there language is the root dialect of all modern day languages, meaning that they know English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, Greek, Turkish, Arabian, Mayan, and so on as their dialect is the root of all our languages. They welcome us to the Island of Atlantis. He described as one of the most beautiful and advanced places he had ever been to. Unfortunately, the king did not take too kindly about us being here, but Grandpa Camdyn said that he made many friends while there. Unfortunately, Rourke decided to turn against the group and Mr. Thatch, just to get the Heart of Atlantis, a special crystal that is what keeps the people of Atlantis and their culture alive. They also tried to steal the king's daughter, Princess Kidagakash Nedakh whom everyone referred to as "Kida." Luckily, the group was able to defeat and kill Rourke and return the heart just in time as that volcano started to erupt. It then forced a force shield and saved the city. Sadly, Milo stayed behind to help the Atlantean's repair their society and way of life. The rest made it back as did Grandpa Bradley. Sadly, they all agreed to try and keep it a secret to keep people from coming and trying to steal the heart again."
When I heard that story, I was shocked and a spark appeared in my eye. I was determined to find Atlantis myself, even if it costs me my life. However, I didn't have a lead or anyway of proving where this entrance was. I did, however, have a lead. I started by inviting a few school friends over, there names are Glenn Blackburn, Reginald Stanley, and Andrea Copeland. We were sitting at the table talking and then an idea flew into my head. I asked my friends
"Hey guys." they all looked at me.
"What is it Hollis?" Reginald beckoned.
"I am gonna head over to our old house where we keep some old records and try to find some about my Great Great Granddad. Ya'll wanna come along?"
"Why not?" Andrea asked.
We all then rode our bikes to the old house where we keep old furniture, clothes, belongings, and other assorted junk. I opened the door and we all walked in. We all started looking through boxes, but making sure to put stuff back after we got it out. We were looking until we noticed a rather strange letter in with the old letters and notes left from Grandpa Camdyn. However, this looked strange as it was not even opened. I opened it to see that it dates back to 1918, it is from Mr. Whitmore.
"Hey guys! Look what I found!" soon, the three other kids gathered around.
"What is it?"
"It is a letter from Mr. Whitmore, the man who funded the Atlantis Exploration and the discovery of the Shepard's Journal. It says here, and I quote, 'For you bravery and honor, I have given you some of my wealth and the Shepard's Journal for you. You are welcome to do whatever you like with this money and the journal itself.' It looks like this meant that he was given the journal."
"What exactly is so special about this journal?" Glenn asked.
"Well...from what my grandpa told me, this journal is the key to finding Atlantis."
"But where is this Journal at?" Andrea asked.
"I'm afraid I have no clue. The journal was said to have disappeared after Mr. Whitmore died. If anything I think the book might still be at his mansion. Either that, or it is elsewhere."
"Lets head back to your house Hollis. I think we might be able to find more clues there."
"All the same, I am still gonna take this letter and examine it."
We all headed back to the house and we all grabbed ourselves Dr. Peppers. We turned on the TV and then it turned to a new exhibit that was opening at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
"As the owner of the Smithsonian Institute, I hereby declare the Atlantis exhibit, Open!"
I looked at the TV and then I saw it, the Shepard's Journal.
"Guys! Look!" I shouted as Glenn, Reginald, and Andrea looked at the TV and saw the journal as well.
"What is that journal you are trying to point out to us?" Glenn asked me.
"That Glenn, is the Shepard's Journal. That journal is the key to finding the lost continent of Atlantis. We have got to get that book."
"How?" Andrea asked. "It is not like we can just walk up to the front door and try to steal that book."
Just then, we heard the owner of the Smithsonian speak, "Unfortunately, the journal will have to be moved to the Library of Congress due to the importance of the book."
I then spoke, "I think this might be our only chance to get that book."
"But how are we gonna get that book?"
"I guess we have no choice, but to show that letter to them and get that book."
"What if they say no?" Reginald asked.
"We Reggie; I guess we will have no choice, but to steal that book. I hate to do this, but I guess we have no choice but to."
"Well how are we gonna steal this book?" Andrea asked me.
"Well Andy...I am gonna call in some help." So I went over to the phone and dialed in the number for the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad.
"Yes Hello?" the operator said.
"Hello. Will you please get Mr. Morris McCullough."
"Sure thing. Please hold." I had to wait a few minutes before I heard his voice.
"Hello? Who is this?"
"It is Howlin' Mad."
"Hey bro! How may I help you?"
"Well Morry..." I started. "I need your help in trying to get to D.C. Will you be able to meet up with me and my friends at Cherokee Yard in Tulsa? We are about to go on a big adventure."
"Sure Howlin', but how exactly are you gonna get to Cherokee when Grand Bluffs is in Western Oklahoma?"
"We will try to catch a train in Enid if we can get there in time and ride the rails to Tulsa."
"Good luck brother. I will meet you there in an old diesel at Cherokee Yard in four days. Don't be late."
"Right Brother! Goodbye now." I said as I hung up the phone.
I looked at my friends and smiled. "Pack your things. We are going on an adventure." my three friends looked at each other and smiled. "I'm in!" Reginald said. "Oh what the heck! I might as well." Glenn replied. "I'm looking for a chance to get out of this place."
So we all packed our things. I packed some clothes, my laptop as I will have to look up important information, some food and cooking equipment, rope for tying things, passport I owned after my mom and dad died, I packed a tent and sleeping bag, and also took with me a lot of money. I met my friends by the now closed Nerton Westwend yard that was used by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe before merged with the Burlington Northern. We were standing by the tracks when we noticed something, an old General Motors GP7 diesel. We ran over to the old locomotive and loaded our stuff. I knew how to start this thing as I watched my brother many times start something as old as this. I started her up and checked to see how much fuel we have and saw that we have only barely half a tank. So, I had to make sure we didn't go too fast, otherwise we would run out of fuel quickly. We loaded all our bags and equipment on board and we started heading towards Enid. We waved at many kids who stood by the tracks and then we finally reached Enid and made it to the big freight yard in Enid. Sadly, our GP7 had broken down after not being moved for a long time and now we are stuck. I looked around the place until I saw a young man approach us as we pulled into an unused siding. I got out to speak to the man.
"Hello there young man. What are you doing? This track must be cleared for a Westbound Union Pacific freight train."
"I do apologize sir. We were trying to get this old diesel up to Cherokee Yard in Tulsa and we have broken down. You think you can help us by getting to Cherokee Yard?" The worker looked at me and thought for a moment.
"Well...I can see that you four are in need of some help. Tell ya what, I will get your diesel hooked up to an Eastbound freight train that is heading to Cherokee Yard. There is a grain train heading that way; it is located on track four over there." He pointed to where the train was. "Anyway, what are you kids doing with sure an old piece of machinery?"
"Well..." I started. "We are actually trying to get to Tulsa so that we can meet up with my brother there so he can help us find a way to get to Washington D.C. Is there any trackage the BNSF owns in the Eastern United States?"
"I'm afraid that there is not. However, I think you might be able to sneak onto a CSX or Norfolk Southern freight train in Chicago or St. Louis. If ya go with the NS, you might be able to get to the Roanoke Locomotive Shops where they might be able to repair your GP7."
"Thank you sir. We really are thankful for your help. Would you like to join us on our adventure? We are heading to D.C. to complete one of the steps to get us set for our adventure."
"Oh why not? I will have to tell my boss here that I am gonna have to head East into Norfolk Southern and/or CSX trackage." he soon radioed a friend.
"Hey Sparrow! This is Foxlock over?"
"Roger Foxlock! This is Sparrow. What do ya need?"
"I need a caboose added to the freight train on track four and a diesel added. We got some kids here that need to get to Cherokee Yard on the double over?"
"Affirmative! There is a caboose on track seven at the East end of the yard. I see some smoke coming out of the GP7 beside you; you need a diesel to come and move it for ya?"
"Yes over."
"Alright I got someone on the way. A SD75M with old ATSF colors number 219 over."
"Thanks Sparrow. Over and out."
I climbed out of the cab and examined the engine. I opened the side panel a big could of black smoke puffed out and covered my face. I cleared it away and saw two big problems.
"Blast! Our radiator is busted! That means our engine will overheat as we can't refill water. Well that is even worse; parts of the engine is shot. She won't be moving an inch under her own power now until we get her fixed."
Just then, a diesel in old ATSF colors showed up and we coupled our diesel to it and hooked it to the rear of the train. Just then, a small switcher, a SW1500, switched a caboose to the back of our locomotive with our new friend on board. We unloaded all our bags and equipment into the caboose and settled in. I gotta say, the caboose's interior was amazing. Glenn and Reginald climbed into the dome part of the caboose while I stayed inside, looking at some more notes and information that would be essential to finding Atlantis. Our new friend, whose name is Bryan Vinson, called the lead locomotive and told him that we were ready to go. I soon heard a loud horn in front of us and now we started on our way. We figured out that our train would become larger when we reach Perry, there we would have to pick up some more grain cars and would most likely be a problem as we have a caboose attached to the train. luckily, before we left, a mechanic joined us and she would try to fix the locomotive as we headed to Perry. She is short, young; at the age of 19, has short black hair, brown eyes, hispanic accent, and is kind of a loud mouth. her her name is Kelly Navarro. She is quite serious about her work, as I would find out 20 minutes after we departed Enid.
"Hey Blanco!" she shouted.
"Don't tell me you mean me do ya missy?" I asked.
"Who else would I be talking to Blanco? Yes you! Now get over here."
"Yeah yeah I'm coming." I said as I came over to her outside.
"What do you need?" I asked her.
"I need you to some of my tools and some parts in the caboose. They are a washer and a hammer."
"Alright. I'll get it." I went and got her the tools and then came back.
"Here you go."
"Thank you blanco."
I headed back to the caboose and started looking over and studying the Atlantean language, and some other foreign languages as well; mainly French, German, Italian, and some Latin. I studied for another 20 minutes straight until I decided to take a nap. I rested for a while until we finally reached Perry. I somehow managed to stay asleep as a new diesel switcher, a 3GS21B, shunted the rest of the grain cars to the train and finally added our GP7 and the caboose back to the train. We started heading East again as we passed through Pawnee and started heading down the old Santa Fe the rest of the way to Tulsa. We managed to arrive there in two and a half days, which was earlier than expected.
We pulled into Cherokee yard in the bright afternoon of the day. We were super excited to be there. The only problem is is that my brother hasn't arrived yet. So, we had no choice but to wait for him to arrive. A switcher arrived and shunted our locomotive and the caboose to a siding and they sent our GP7 to the road shops to try and get her working again. The grain train was dispersed to other trains being transported to other places. We waited around for a day not doing much and I studied more of the Atlantean way of life, but mainly their language the most. Finally, I saw a train pull in that have just came from Texas and was being pulled by a diesel that should've been retired back in the 90's; that diesel is an old FP45. I looked at the cab and saw that it was my brother in the cab.
I ran over to see him and he was happy to see me.
"I thought those diesels have all been retired brother?"
"They are...this one has just finished its service and is gonna probably be scrapped. It was nice to use such an old piece of equipment again."
"We arrived to Enid in an old GP7 that was abandoned in the yard at Grand Bluffs. She broke down on us as we arrived in Enid at the big yard, but we met some cool and polite people."
"So...why are you trying to get D.C.?"
"You may think this sounds crazy brother."
"Well no crazier than using an old diesel to get to a big railyard full of equipment and stuff." He teased.
Yeah...Good point." I replied. I regained my composure and decided that I must tell the people helping me my plan.
"Okay everyone." I said to them. "Gather around the table here and please don't be shy." Everyone sat down at the table in the caboose as I stood there about to discuss my plan.
"My brother and I have an important relative that we admired for a long time. He is Naval Officer Camdyn Bradley. He volunteered for an exploration headed by Professor Milo J. Thatch in 1914. It was said that he and the group found the lost continent of Atlantis. People put this story off, saying it is a hoax and I was made fun of because of this; and I hate this so much. I wanna prove that the stories I was told are not false and that Atlantis actually does exist. However, there is one essential piece to the puzzle that we must have; otherwise we will be on a wild goose chase. What we need is the Shepard's Journal. This journal is the key to finding Atlantis. Sadly, it is in a Smithsonian museum, but I found out that it is gonna be moved to the Library of Congress soon and so this is a limited window to get a hold of the journal. You might think I am crazy for trying to steal this journal; however, this journal is important to finding Atlantis. This task is gonna be dangerous and so I want ya'll to make a choice. If ya don't wanna come on this adventure then please leave the caboose; however, if ya wanna help me then you will stay until the journey's end, I'll leave the decision to you guys." I finished and watched everyone.
Everyone decided to stay in the caboose and made up their minds.
"Thank you fellas. You are all good friends."
My brother got back to his locomotive and our diesel and caboose was hooked up to the rear of the train. The locomotive is now in better condition and can run more smoothly now. I helped Kelly hook up the diesel to the train and now we are on our way again. I called my brother, who was in the cab of the lead locomotive.
"Is everything alright back there Howlin' Mad?" he asked me.
"Everything is set and we are ready to go." I told him as I heard a horn from the front and then we sat off into the night, heading for St. Louis. We actually arrived in St. Louis in record time and it took us only three hours to reach the city. However, I failed to mention that we also had some enemies. There was a kid we hated who was rich, a showoff, and was very rude. I beat him up twice after he tried to pick a fight with me in elementary. I was actually praised for that cause he got what he deserved. His name is Willie Maddox. He is rich because his father works for Continental Resources; "Land thieves and vandals" Is how I describe them. They sued my family in Watonga to give them our land so that they can drill for oil. We fought them tooth and nail, but we were forced to as they paid police to arrest me and my family. This was the last straw for me. I am sorry if I am getting ahead of myself, but this paints a clear picture about how much I hate Willie and his older brothers, Rodney and Horace. They somehow found out about our plans when we left Grand Bluffs in our GP7 and they tracked us all the way to Enid where they were unable to follow us from there. The night we arrived in St. Louis, I had a phone call.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Hello Howlin' Sad." I knew that voice anywhere.
"What do you want Silly Willie?" I asked him.
"I saw you and your friends on an old clanker, what ya up too?"
"Why would you care? You got plenty of clunkers yourself. I mean, look at your brothers."
"F##K YOU Howlin' Sad!" he shouted at me.
'NOW P##S OFF YOU NO GOOD FILTHY RICH SON OF A GUN!" I hung up on him. My voice woke up Reginald and Glenn.
"Willie?" asked Reginald.
"Yes Reggie, it is. I think he is following us. What should I do?"
"Stand up to him Hollis. Like what you did many years ago and we praised you."
"Thanks guys. That makes me feel a whole lot better. At least we now will be in a race to find Atlantis. Let us hope that we will beat the land thief.
My story is a lot longer from here, but I will have to spare the details for next time.
Join me next time for when we head deep into CSX and Norfolk Southern Territory and how we plan to get our hands on the Shepard's Journal to find Atlantis. Fair sailing everyone and may god watch over you.
