"Grand Junction"
Short story about Maetel and Tetsurô, during their first trip to Andromeda...
The boy
was sleeping quietly on the seat. His face
was hidden by a large brown hat. His coat entirely surrounded his
little body. Tetsurô Hoshino wasn't dreaming, he was just
resting there.
Maetel looked at the stars
throw the window of the famous Galaxy Express 999. The next stop
wasn't so far. "This his a capital stop for your trip, Tetsurô"
she though.
The ticket inspector came in and said, with his very amazing voice :
- Next stop "Grand Junction". "Grand junction", 15 minutes-stop !
Tetsurô woke up and admired the tiny planet which was approaching. The train took in a track and stopped in a desert station in a desert world.
- Why are we stopping here, Maetel?
There's nothing in this planet.
- This is the middle of the trip of
the Galaxy Express 999, she explained.
- I don't get this point.
Tetsurô wanted to go outside but Maetel stopped him
- You must stay here, Tetsurô. It is strictly forbidden for passenger from Earth to go outside here.
Maetel used to be a mysterious woman, but the boy trusted her. He came back and waited, looking at all the part of the station. But, he could hear a steam whistle. Is this the departure ? "No way, was this a five-minute stop only?"
Another train was arriving. It was the twin of Tetsurô's train, except the number of the engine. It was written "C 62 49" instead of "C 62 50".
- Here, the two galaxy express 999 crosses, Maetel explained. This train is going back to Earth, with all humans who gained their robotized body.
Maetel's voice was too smooth, hard to be heard.
- But
Maetel, this train is empty, Tetsurô noticed. Why Maetel? Why
the other train is empty?
- One
day, you will know it…
Maetel closed her eyed and cried.