Switch!
Stop
The train slowed to a stop at the Mountain Train Station, the PA system on board squawking direction for disembarking.
The Jewel Express had the heart of the most efficient technology and the decadent appearance of luxury trains of the past. Despite the speed of three hyped-bullet trains – which were first used in Japan, trips for 'a to b' travelers still proved to be long. Especially considering it connected seven planets in the Zephyr System. It offered top of the line amenities and lodging for the arduous journeys undertaken, mostly, by delegates from other planets, business-types and college students.
Two passengers, in compartment 7D-Upsilon5, a sleeper cabin, were unusual. They were not delegates, business-types or college students. Sofi and Toshi were children 9 and 7, respectively. Their information had appeared in the system without attracting attention. Their compartment was sensible for children and their smart jackets allowed them to blend into the posh surroundings. Trained using military technology, these two were here to recover artifacts stolen from the European Museum. Sofi was an extraction specialist and efficient with any form of weapon. Toshi was a Mesmer and techno-genius, he could convince any system and whatever components (including people) of anything. Due to the dangerous nature of their mission, they were paired as two children going to live with a mutual familial acquaintance. This acquaintance won't be made aware of their arrival 'til later, allowing for reconnaissance-work. The longer the acquaintance remained unaware of the true nature of their visit, the safer their cover.
Sofi glanced up from her Ink'dTablet to see Toshi fiddling with the food dispenser. Feeling eyes on his back, Toshi turned around to face his partner with an armful of cakes, juice boxes and…bento packages. The look of pure delight on his face said it all: he didn't pay for any of it. Sofi smiled sweetly at the boy and tore open one of the packages. Their mission was going to be dangerous, but no one said it would not be comfortable. Toshi finished stuffing the other packages into a satchel and stood up signaling time for them to leave the compartment for the platform outside. At exactly six minutes past ten in the evening, the duo had stepped on to the platform and walked off toward the town center, now lit brightly for evening commerce activity.
In compartment 8D-Upsilon5, college students Marina and Cheng had sat discussing their upcoming stay at Mountain City's most prestigious household. They had waited approximately five minutes to leave the train. Their transport to the house would meet them at the heart of the town center. Bustling coats and luggage, they scampered off the train, across the platform and toward town. They passed an adorable little girl and her lovely friend, also headed into town. Mountain town must be a really safe city for children to walk about unattended mused Cheng. He and Marina discussed, intelligently, urban safety and crime rates as they passed a brightly lit arch and strode into the town.
A/N: please review. This is a writing journal of sorts, the next chapters may be a continuation of this story or other stories.