May 14th, 1961

  The regular season was doing well for the railway, and with the 10th Anniversary of the Roger Railway becoming America’s first preserved railway, things are bound to be busy with the Preservation Society. The regular season was going well, with many passengers enjoying their weekend and weekday on a simple passenger train through the natural beauty of the Westminster Forest. Mr Hutton was outside, resting after another day of operation. It was 5, but the Roger Heritage Special was going through the night, so a rest break was needed.

  Lizzy was brushing her hair. Despite working on Roger for almost a decade, she always wants to feel refreshed before operating. She also cleans Roger’s face, despite not usually having soot or grim on his face. Roger was in the yard with his coaches, resting before the evening to night operation, when their son Samuel came to the yard, behind him was a familiar old friend.

  “Mom, Dad,” Samuel said, he came up to his parents, “William Willock is here.”

  This caused the three to look at Samuel, to whom Mr. Willock came to the yard, older but happy to see his old friend.

  “Will, how’s it been!” Mr. Hutton cried out before coming over and shaking his hand.

  “I’ve been good,” Will nodded, “Though I like to speak to you and your wife…are you busy?”

  “I’ve just finished half of the evening run, resting up until 6:00,” Mr. Hutton told Will, “I’ll bring Lizzy over, and head to the office.”

  Lizzy came over, and the three walked to the office. Roger was quite curious about why Mr. Willock wanted to speak to Ben and Lizzy.

  “What does Will want to speak to Ben and Lizzy about?” Roger asks Samuel.

  “Maybe a visit to his Indian Valley Railroad,” Samuel guessed, “It’s a line you haven’t visited yet, maybe this year, you got new bearings since your old ones burnt out.”

  Roger remembered that after arriving at the Tuscan Yard, his bearings started to act up, causing a burning sensation. This led to the old Porter being pulled by Betty back to Starlight Yard, where the Simon Hill Railway staff replaced his old bearings with new ones. Which is funny because his old bearings were fitted new in 1951, during his overhaul at the Juniata Shops.

  “I haven’t really visited that line,” Roger told Samuel, “From what Mr. Hutton said, it’s like a real-life model railroad.”

  “Another travel adventure, Roger?” Mary asks.

  “Maybe,” Roger guessed, “I don’t know why Mr. Willock is here, but he seems to want to talk to Ben; it must be very important.”

  “If it’s another narrow gauge mainline railroad, I’m in!” Samuel cried out happily.

  “That’s a slim chance,” Mary told Samuel, “Southern Railway isn’t taking another chance, and we already operate at the Simon Hill Railway.”

  “There’s actually more,” Samuel corrected Mary, “I read in a Trains magazine that the Wales West Light Railway has been purchased by the Southern Railway Narrow Gauge Division, and they did a piece on another two-foot gauge common carrier, which is owned by the Canadian National Railway. Many shortlines operated two-foot-gauge steam locomotives that operated through the Southern United States.”

  Roger was surprised.

  “I guess there’s more information that’s unknown to the rest of the world, or in this case, the United States,” Roger said as he looked at the rails.

  “I wouldn’t worry too much,” Samuel told the old Porter, “Though the Canadian National Narrow Gauge Branch is unique because they have two narrow gauge, one 3 foot 6 inch, and one two foot gauge, and the two foot gauge one has a steam program like the Southern and Simon Hill.”

  “Maybe another adventure?” Roger looked at Samuel.

  “It depends on whether my dad is up for it,” Samuel shrugged, “Though, unlike us in the States, the CN narrow gauge is thriving due to the rural area and locations that aren’t road-friendly, over 1,000 miles of 2-foot gauge track, and still using steam like the Southern.”

  “Seems like a nice railway to visit,” Roger smiled at the idea of visiting Canada.

  “Which is interesting is because the CN Steam Program is influenced by us,” Samuel chuckled a bit, “You’re famous across Canada as well!”

  Roger chuckled softly as Mr. Hutton and William Willock came to the two.

  “How has it been, Roger?” Mr. Willock asks.

  “Pretty well, Will,” Roger smiled, “It’s nice to see you, how’s 16?”

  “He’s doing quite well,” Mr. Willock smiled, “I’m here to ask you how you feel about visiting my railroad, the Indian Valley Line?”

  Roger was and wasn’t surprised at the same time.

  “I’m glad to be invited to your railway,” Roger smiled, “I’ve heard all about it from Ben, but never visited this line.”

  William smiled.

  “After talking to Ben, you’ll operate on my railroad on June 24th-25th, leaving June 22nd,” He told Roger happily, “Since it’s been 10 years since your railroad started operating heritage passenger trains, this visit is a present as a thank you for leasing 16 all those years ago.”

  “You’ll bring your coaches to operate a special chartered excursion sponsored by the Preservation Society,” Ben added, “With only a few weeks, I’m planning to start selling tickets this week, and hopefully it’ll be sold out, with the volunteers doing a great job as usual for this season. I also decided to add a special Volunteer Appreciation Special. I know everything is quite sudden, but we’ll announce the excursion this week.”

  Samuel grinned.

  “Is this a chance for me to operate, Roger, Dad?” Samuel asks his father.

  Mr. Hutton looked his son square in the eye.

  “Not today, son,” He told his son, “Not yet at least, when the chance comes.”

  Samuel sighed in defeat, but Roger was quite excited for this visit.

  “16 has told me all about his home,” Roger told Will and Ben, “I’ve heard that his railroad is steep.”

  “It is,” Will nodded, “5 percent gradient, at max, though some are 3 percent, still tough though.”

  “Trestle and add a forest backdrop, and you've got a railway that defines an American logging line,” Ben smiled, “It’s always been a project, but never got a chance due to how popular the railway has been.”

  Will nodded in agreement.

  “I’ve seen how popular the railway has been, you guys are pulling more passengers than the big railroads,” He told Roger, “You guys are doing a wonderful job.”

  “And the Preservation Society has been growing, almost to a thousand, it’s a milestone,” Ben looked at the yard, “I remember just 2 years ago we had only over 500 members, this decade is good for preservation.”

  Roger was pleased that membership had increased over the years, and with the railway becoming a heritage railway icon, it had also received a significant boost to the tourist trade.

  “I’ve always wanted to visit New York,” Roger told the two, “I’m excited for my visit.”

  June 22nd, 1961

  The Roger Railway was quite busy throughout the start of the summer season, with passengers filling up the coaches. The tickets for the sponsored excursion were sold out, and the news that Roger would be visiting New York state for a visit to a two-foot-gauge railway was exciting among the locals. However, the Indian Valley is a private line that does special open house excursions a couple of times a month, so this is one of those open house events.

  Roger and his coaches left the Roger Railway mid-morning and made their way through the road and into the stateline, while technically the old Porter had crossed the Big Apple when the truck was going to the Simon Hill Railway to New Hampshire, but this is the first time that Roger is going deep into the state, and he was excited about arriving at the railway. The truck has to go through the city part of New York, and Roger could see the cars, bustling people, and everyday life.

  It was interesting to see a steam locomotive through the City, many folks pointed at the old Porter and his coaches, Roger didn’t expect to have an audience, which was an odd feeling for him. The city life would gradually disappear as the truck followed the road, out of the city, and into a calmer, natural setting. Despite traveling through different states being the normal part of his visits, it was still a strange feeling passing through a new part of the state. Roger cherishes that memory.

  Traveling on a single road to the railway was a bit…nerve-racking, mostly because it seemed like it was going through a different world, but Roger was glad that he was almost there at the railway; his coaches felt the same way. He could see a small, wide yard, to which he could see that the parlor car, Eleanor, was displayed outside, coupled up to Eleanor, is Davenport No.16. The truck stopped in the yard, the trip was over, and Roger was happy to see his old friend.

  “16!” Roger cried out.

  “Roger!” 16 cried out as well, “About time you made it!”

  “It only took almost 10 years,” Roger grinned at his old friend.

  After he and his coaches were lifted onto the tracks, Roger felt his wheels touching new rails, sleek and smooth.

  “It’s been a while,” Roger told 16 as he watched the Vulcan gasoline switcher move his coaches, “The railway has been good, new engines came, and I've experienced more mainline excursions.”

  “It’s been almost 4 years,” 16 looked at the rails, “I’ve been doing well, the railroad has some great success, got another engine named 44, but he got sold, it’s been quiet in the last year or two.”

  “I’ve only looked at the yard,” Roger said as he looked around the yard, “But does it get lonely up here?”

  “It does, with just me, Eleanor, Junior, and Matilda,” 16 told the old saddletank, “I’m the oldest in the fleet, being 50 years old last year, celebrated with a good passenger operation weekend, and even experiencing a Southern Narrow Gauge Mainline, just like you.”

  Roger was surprised.

  “Wow, how was it?” The old Porter asks.

  “It was nice, it was on a branch line that was too big for the steamers and the upcoming diesels,” 16 told Roger, “And I was light enough to operate on this branch line, Southern gave William, 5,000 dollars.”

  “Wow, must be an exciting year,” Roger smiled at his friend, “I’m glad Will let me visit with open rails.”

  “Will is quite excited,” 16 smiled, “He wants to do a rail event with you and Ben, it’s been quiet up here.”

  “Well, Ben is hopefully going to tell me the plans for tomorrow,” Roger told his friend, “It’s a short visit, but I wanted to make this a good event.”

  “But there’s one thing I need to tell you,” 16 said to the old Porter, but Roger beat him to it.

  “It’s the 5 percent gradient,” He told 16, “I’ve been told.”

  “I see,” 16 looked at the rails, “But it’s a tough piece of rail.”

  “Probably steeper than the famous Saluda Grade and Saluda Jr,” Roger smiled at his friend, “But I already tackle tough gradients on mainline and branch line operations, I don’t want to sound cocky or boastful, but I think I could take it.”

  “Just remember to grip hard,” 16 told his friend, “Having lots, lots of sand helps.”

  Just then, a cat appeared in the yard. The feline had grey fur, but black markings. The cat wandered into the yard, looked at Roger, jumped, and landed on his front.

  “Oh, hello there,” Roger smiled at the feline.

  The cat didn’t say anything, but purred.

  “I guess cats love steam locomotives as well,” 16 joked to Roger.

  “He’s a cute little guy,” Roger told the tank engine, “He could probably have enjoyed the warm cab even more.”

  “This is the first time I’ve seen a cat at the railroad,” 16 looked at the feline, “We do get wild animals here sometimes, but this is my first time seeing a cat here.”

  “Probably a stray,” Roger told 16, “My old owners had pet cats, and sometimes they loved to be in my cab because of the warmth, sometimes in the engine shop as well.”

  Silence came for a bit.

  “I don’t know if you heard the news, but there have been steam locomotives that have been cut up illegally, without consent,” 16 told Roger.

  Roger was surprised.

  “No, I haven’t.” He told his friend, “Did the railroad scrap them without consent?”

  “No,” 16 replied, “Some steamers were being planned for display at museums, and some were cut up before they left the yard, and the scrap metal and steam locomotive parts go missing. I’ve been told that a group is doing this.”

  Roger felt his wheels go cold.

  “That is scary,” Roger told 16, “Has anyone captured them?”

  “From what I’ve heard, none,” 16 told the old saddletank, “Though I know one two-foot gauge railroad in West Virginia got hit hard, and the guard got seriously hurt, he’s still in the hospital. It’s mostly on the East Coast, but it seems like they’re targeting the Southern and Southeast United States.”

  “Jesus,” Roger felt his wheels go numb, “People are fucking crazy.”

  Then, Mr.Hutton, Lizzy, Will, Samuel, and Diana came to the yard.

  “It seems like you two are happy to see each other after a long time apart,” Ben smiled at the two engines, “How has it been 16?”

  “Quite quiet,” He told Ben, “Simple operation, and a branch line excursion on the Southern, nothing really much.”

  Mr. Hutton nodded.

  “Well, I spoke to Will, and Roger is going to operate tomorrow as a way to see the layout of the line, since this is his first time on this railroad,” He told the two engines, “Then Saturday would be the sponsored excursion by the Preservation Society, and Sunday would be the Volunteer Appreciation Special.”

  “Simple weekend,” Roger commented, “It’s nice to operate on a new railroad, one that I haven’t operated on before.”

  Lizzy came over and petted the cat.

  “It seems like this little guy also likes steam engines as well,” Lizzy giggled.

  Roger chuckled a bit.

  “Will I be able to pull my coaches?” Roger asks Ben.

  Mr. Hutton nodded.

  “Since the 5 percent gradient is a tough piece of line, it’s best to test pulling your empty train through the gradients,” Ben told Roger, “There is also a trestle as well, testing your weight on his line would be good as a just in case.”

  “Am I really that heavy?” Roger asks Ben curiously.

  “A little bit,” Ben told bluntly to the old Porter, “But not much like Elizabeth, it’s mostly the weight on the drivers.”

  “That’s what Will also told me as well,” 16 told Roger, “I’m surprised no industrial railroad ever invited you to operate on their line.”

  “But don’t worry, the trestle will support the weight of you and your coaches,” Will told Roger, “But it’s good to have a test run before an excursion.”

  The old Porter beamed happily.

  “I’m excited to operate on this railway,” Roger smiled.

  June 23rd, 1961

  The morning sun was blaring through the windows of the modern engine shop; despite having three locomotives, it was quite big and spacious. Roger woke up with a warm fire in the firebox, and the shed doors opened. The old Porter was excited to operate on the railway for the first time. Mr. Hutton and Lizzy were in the cab, getting ready. He moved slowly out of the shed and into the morning sun. It was summertime, and it was hot. He could see Samuel and Diana in the yard.

  “Excited today, Roger?” Samuel asks.

  “I am,” Roger smiled, “It’s nice to operate on a new railway.”

  “If only Scotty were here,” Diana pouted, “He’s in Colorado, with my relatives, his aunt and uncles, and his cousins. He’ll love it here.”

  “Well, he’s going to enjoy the Colorado narrow gauge,” Samuel reminded Diana, “He’ll be fine, his little sister should keep him company.”

  “I know, but Cindy is a very energetic little sister,” She told Samuel, “I’m worried it’ll be overwhelming for him.”

  The cat was still on the front of the old Porter before jumping off and walking towards the cab, and hopping inside. Despite it being a hot summer day, the cat purred in relaxation in the warm cab.

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  “I have a hunch that this cat would be our only passenger,” Diana smiled.

  “Free of charge,” Samuel snorted.

  Roger gleamed in the summer, still looking the same over 80 years ago. He could feel the summer heat and was eager to couple up to his coaches and leave the yard; he felt like a young engine.

  “What time is it?” Roger asks Samuel.

  “It’s almost 7,” He told the old Porter, “Don’t worry, Roger, we’re ready.”

  The 25-tonner diesel switcher, Junior, pulled the coaches out of the coach shed, which they also gleamed in the summer morning. The sisters were happy to get some morning light on them. Roger moved slowly to the other track before backing up to couple up with his coaches. The sisters were also excited for today.

  “Are we operating today, Roger?” Mary asks.

  “Yep, no passengers, just to get a feel on the line,” Roger told the coach.

  “I’m happy we’re operating either way,” Taylor smiled.

  “And it’s a nice summer day!” Anabel cried happily.

  “Indeed, sis,” Charlotte agreed.

  The cat walked out of the old Porter’s cab and walked towards Mary and hopped onto her platform.

  “I guess this cat is the only passenger for today,” Taylor chuckled.

  “This cat really likes trains,” Anabel commented.

  “More calm than most railfans,” Roger joked.

  The cat yawned and went to sleep. Despite it being a Friday, it was calm and quiet. The Indian Valley was more of a private railroad that did open days a couple of times a year, with the old Porter and his coaches ready, he was ready to leave; he blew his whistle, and slowly left the yard, with the train having no passengers, unless you’re counting the cat, Roger left the yard right away, with Mr. Hutton, Lizzy, Samuel, and Diana in the cab, with William riding in Taylor.

  Though the people, coaches, and Roger did not notice that someone was spying on them, like a predator on its prey, the cat noticed it and hissed at whatever was spying on them.

  Forest was mostly what Roger saw, greenery, but it was enclosed, like a tunnel of trees. The old Porter looked around, you would never think you’re on a railway, but on a magical journey to another world, the tracks were becoming part of nature, and only the rails were visible. He doesn’t know if he’s on the gradient, but with the tracks becoming the ground, it wouldn’t be possible, though. Roger has experience with tough gradients to the point where he’s used to them by now. He whistled, which caused a long echo; it was thrilling for the old Porter.

  The cat was still sleeping. Now and then, he would look up, stare at nothing, and go back to sleep; it was a routine during this simple run. The cat sometimes would sleep on the platform or on the seats. Cats would stay in one place, but most of the time they would move around to find themselves in a comfortable place. The scenery reminded Roger of home, the forest, and how it looked, enchanted. It was a calm feeling for the old Porter.

  “It’s a nice, charming railway,” Roger smiled, “Will built a nice railway.”

  “25lb rail,” Ben commented, “I guess it confirmed that you aren’t too heavy for the line.”

  “And the line is quite scenic,” Roger commented, “I’m surprised only a couple of trains per year operate on this line.”

  “Yep, built it by his own imagination.” Ben nodded, “A cherished line, I was surprised when 16 can go up the gradient, impressive locomotive.”

  And speaking of the grade, Roger went through a curve, which did test his strength on hauling his coaches, which the curve leads to the trestle, which, looking down, wasn’t that high, but it did provide a great perspective from above on a higher elevation. The trestle was nicely built, and Roger could see that Will took his time to create such a wonderful line. The trestle groaned a bit; he could hear creaking sounds, and the old Porter was moving quite slowly. Diana and Samuel looked out of the cab, and Samuel was gripping his girlfriend’s hand quite tightly.

  After passing the trestle, the train stops. Willock got out of Taylor, mostly to check to see if the trestle wasn’t cracked from Roger’s weight. The old Porter could see the gradient; it was high, 5% isn’t something to joke about, especially on a narrow gauge line. After the bridge was okay after being checked, Will got back into Taylor, and the train slowly moved up the line, through the gradient. Roger blew his whistle, which echoed, despite being on a railroad property. Being alone in the forest with only his crew and a cat made Roger feel like he was in a horror novel.

  The gradient was steep, and he could feel his wheels gripping on the rails. Luckily, warm sand helped with keeping traction on the rails; it was a high gradient, and Roger was hoping that the 5 percent gradient would not wear out his running gear. Then again, he already operates on mainline excursions. The stack talk was loud, and it was loud enough to disturb the natural life in the forest. It was a tough piece of gradient, but he felt his wheels at ease during the climb up the gradient.

  “Well done, Roger,” Ben smiled, “You just tackled the 5 percent gradient of the Indian Valley Line, now this part has only 3 percent gradient.”

  “3 percent…” Roger looked at the tracks, “I wondered if this is the railway to heaven?”

  “If it only operates that way,” Lizzy patted the side of his cab.

  Ben got out and sanded the rails, despite having a sander. Roger likes this method because it has proven useful for most of his preservation career compared to his sander. The old Porter blew his whistle before slowly moving from where his spot is, and being less steep compared to the 5 percent monster, despite this one being 3 percent, Roger moved a little quickly as the train was getting underway. He blew his whistle and prayed for the best. Still, the old Porter knew he could tackle this gradient with all his might. The cat was still sleeping.

  Getting through the gradient was a challenge, but Roger made it over the line, which was surprisingly quick. Since his coaches were empty and not filled with passengers, the experience was easier. However, with a full passenger train tomorrow, Roger was excited to tackle the gradient again. The rest of the layout of the railway was just a single straight line. The old Porter picked up speed, though, not very fast; this isn’t a mainline railway, but he liked to be on time.

  Roger could see the end of the track; there was no stopper, buffers, or a station, just a passing loop. It was a homemade railroad after all, like a model railroad. Roger stopped at the end of the track. The trail at the end of the track leads deeper into the forest. Roger wondered if Will was planning to lay down more tracks, making it longer.

  “End of the line,” Roger said as his crew got out of his cab.

  “I wondered what Will had planned for this section?” Samuel asks as he walks to the end of the track.

  “Nothing much,” Will told Samuel, “I was planning to extend to see where most of this trail leads to, but I’m comfortable with the mileage I have.”

  The cat hissed loudly, which got the others' attention.

  “What’s his problem?” Diana asks.

  “Wild animal?” Samuel guessed.

  “If that’s the case,” Will said as he pulled a small handgun out of his pocket.

  Samuel and Diana looked at William Willock with a surprised look on their faces.

  “If you’re wondering,” Will looked at the two, “I mostly shoot up in the air, not at the animal; it usually scares them.”

  Samuel looks at his dad.

  “I can tell from the quiet look that he has done this before.” He asks his dad.

  “Only once,” Ben nodded.

  The cat hissed even louder, like there was something in the woods.

  “I think he’s either hissing at something or someone,” Roger told Ben and the others.

  Then they heard leaves crumpling, sticks breaking. Will was holding his gun in his pocket. If it’s a human, he wouldn’t shoot, but an animal, that’s a whole different story.

  “H-H-Hello?” A calm, female voice said softly, “Is there anyone there?”

  The others calmed down; it’s a human.

  “Yes,” Roger said to the voice, “You’re on the property of the Indian Valley Line.”

  The female voice squeaked, as if she were embarrassed.

  “I’m sorry,” the female voice stumbled over her words, “I didn’t know.”

  “That’s okay,” Ben said to the voice, “There’s not much of a sign in the first place on this property.”

  There was silence for a few minutes before Lizzy called out.

  “We’re just operating our locomotive,” She told the voice, “We won’t harm you.”

  There were a few more minutes of silence before the female voice spoke up again.

  “Can…you turn around or close your eyes?” the female voice told the crowd, “I’m a nudist, naked, this is the first time I’m naked with strangers that aren’t nudists.”

  The five humans and their eyes were wide like saucer plates, though, nudism is a hobby, and a respective hobby, and like model trains, or railfanning, the nudist community has its own organization to promote the hobby. Samuel and Diana covered their eyes, while Ben and Will covered their own eyes, while Lizzy covered Roger’s eyes and herself. The female voice walked into plain view; the others couldn’t see anything, but could hear sticks and leaves being crumpled.

  “Also,” She said to the closed eye group, “I have a blanket with me, which will make things a little easier.”

  After that, she wrapped herself with a blanket, to which she told Roger and his crew to open their eyes, to which they did, despite the blanket, you can tell she’s still naked. She was blonde, probably in her late 20s, and athletic. Roger looked at the stranger, who reminded him of when Ben showed him a photo of Lizzy when they were first engaged, like an hourglass, he would say to him. Ben would say to the old Porter a few times when he was young. Funny enough, Lizzy would also tell Roger that Ben is like a very handsome Mickey Mouse, in terms of body description.

  “So, what happened that caused you to be in this forest?” Diana asks the nudist.

  The nudist looked at the ground.

  “Well, I was hanging with my friends, who were also nudists,” She told the group, “We got a little drunk, and I fell asleep on their couch. The next thing that happened is that I was in the forest with a slight hangover, I’m guessing they pulled a prank on me.”

  Everyone was surprised.

  “Who needs enemies when you have friends like that?” Samuel told his girlfriend, “Shitty group of people.”

  She had a flustered look on her face.

  “This is a little embarrassing,” She chuckled a bit, “I’m Abigail, and I’m guessing this is the first time that you guys have seen a nudist before.”

  “Nah,” Will shook his friends, “My closest friends are nudists; they help me build my railroad.”

  “We’re from Pennsylvania,” Lizzy added, “Westminster, and it has a thriving Nudist community, some parts of it, with clubs and resorts, with Westminster Lake being a favorite spot.”

  “First for me,” Roger said to the nudist.

  “And us too,” the coaches said in unison.

  The cat, though, was in a predator stance. He was looking at Abigail like she was bad news, hissing at her slightly, but she ignored the cat.

  “Since it would be a long walk, do you want to ride in the coaches?” Roger asks Abigail.

  She beamed happily.

  “Yeah, sure!” She cried out happily, but then looked at Roger, “Can I ride in the cab?”

  Ben shook his head.

  “Sorry,” He told the nudist, “Not enough room, Roger’s coaches are open for you.”

  She nodded and looked at the coaches, though she did glance back at Roger a couple of times before picking Mary and going in. Roger was uncoupled from his coaches and moved around through the passing loop before coupling up to Charlotte. After coupling up, he blew his whistle and moved slowly, leaving the area.

  “Well, that was something,” Diana told the others.

  “It makes me glad I went through my hormone teenage phase,” Samuel joked as Diana, jokingly, softly punched her boyfriend’s arm.

  “Though, not going to lie, she is pretty,” Lizzy noted, “She reminded me of myself in my 20s, the only difference is that I wasn’t a blonde, makes me glad that my hourglass didn’t go away.”

  “Same as well,” Ben agreed with his wife, to which she rolled her eyes, “Though this is a first for the coaches to have a nudist passenger.”

  “Though, if she’s a nudist, why is she bringing a blanket?” Roger asks curiously.

  “Depending on where in the United States, nudity could be illegal and obscene, indecent exposure and public, so I’m thinking that a blanket helps get through places without getting in trouble,” Ben told the old Porter.

  “I’m guessing since Roger is not human, these things are foreign to a steam locomotive's eyes,” Lizzy told her husband, “Those things aren’t usually important to a steam locomotive.”

  “Though,” Diana said as the train went down the gradient, “I don’t buy her story.”

  “Really?” Samuel asks his girlfriend.

  Diana nodded.

  “She was perfectly fine. I’ve seen my aunts and uncles get slightly drunk and have a slight hangover, and they told me that they have a headache or a migraine, but she didn’t exhibit any of those traits,” She told her boyfriend, “And if she were dropped in the forest by her friends, why did she wear sandals, the blanket I understand, though, must be hot in that thing, but the sandals makes me suspicious of her.”

  “That’s ridiculous, Diana,” Ben told the redhead, “Lizzy and I saw nudists during our visits to Westminster Lake Park, and most of the nudists wear sandals, while the friends were jerks, at least she has something to wear, though I don’t condone what her friends did.”

  “Though,” Roger spoke up, “The cat was hissing at her, I saw the cat doing his cat predator stance.”

  “It’s a cat's thing,” Ben told the old Porter, “My older brother’s cat would defend me when my two older sisters would beat me up; he hated them.”

  Then Samuel had an idea.

  “Since the cat loves trains very much, why don’t we adopt him?” Samuel asks his father.

  Ben didn’t say much; Lizzy, on the other hand, was rubbing his back softly.

  “I’ve just turned 40, not too long ago, and I think a cat will help get through my years,” He smiled at his son, “Having a cat again will help me get through the loss of my innocence.”

  The train was passing through the trestle once more.

  “Though, as much as I respect any hobby,” Roger said to Ben, “I think the seat needs to be cleaned before an excursion, especially since it’s summer.”

  “Yep,” Mr. Hutton agreed, “Summer tends to be a popular season for nudism, Westminster Lake is one example.”

  What they did know was that Abigail was looking out of the window, with a simple, but sinister smile.

  The train arrived back at the yard, with Mr. Willock giving Abigail a ride home, though the cat was still hissing at Abigail. After the nudist left, the coaches were put into the carriage shed, and Roger told 16 what had happened, and he was surprised by the encounter. As evening came, and Willock came back, 16 was fired up for tomorrow's special day, though he wouldn’t be running, but moving around in the yard. Roger and his crew decided to operate on the whole line again for the whole, with just Roger, no coaches; it was mostly for fun and nothing too serious, which is something done sometimes back at home. The cat joins in as well.

  Though during those light engine runs, Roger felt something was watching him, he didn’t notice it during the first run with his coaches, but he feels like something or someone was watching him, he hopes that it’s his old age that’s making him think something like this, but he is worried, the cat, though mostly sleep, did sit on his bunker and hissed at something or someone, Roger wondered if it could’ve been the people behind the recent illegal scrapping of steam locomotives.

  Roger arrived back in the yard, in a happy but calm mood, since it was summer, and the excursion for tomorrow would happen early in the morning. The old Porter and his crew decided that staying outside would be best. 16 thought it was a great idea as well, both engines were not outside of the engine shop, it was dark now, stars out, and it’s a cool night. They were still in steam, so tomorrow’s excursion would be straightforward.

  “Today has been great,” Roger smiled, “I keep forgetting that light engine runs are nice.”

  “It is, I agree,” 16 told Roger, “It’s such a nice day too, and the nighttime is relaxing with the cool weather.”

  The cat yawned and perched himself on the front of Roger’s running board, sleeping.

  “He enjoyed the ride, though, hissing at the nudist passenger we picked up,” the old Porter told 16, “We’re keeping him, though, Ben will take care of him, but he’ll be allowed in the cab.”

  “Though,” 16 noticed something, “Usually when cats hissed at something, or someone, it’s something usually related to bad people, or just annoyance, what’s this nudist’s name?”

  “Abigail,” Roger told 16, “She left rather quickly before you could see her. She was wearing a blanket.”

  Just then, Mr. Hutton, Lizzy, Samuel, and Diana came to the yard.

  “Mr. Willock has trusted me to watch you, 16!” Samuel told the tank engine.

  He and Diana got into the cab.

  “More enclosed compared to Roger,” She commented.

  “I was mostly used in industrial service,” 16 commented.

  “So,” Lizzy came up to Roger, “I heard you two were having a conversation.”

  “We were mostly talking about that nudist passenger, Abigail,” Roger told Lizzy.

  “Oh yeah, she was an interesting passengers,” Lizzy nodded, “I may be too old to say this, though she’s not Betty Brosmer, but she has some nice curves, nice hourglass, her breasts are pretty nice size, reminds me of myself in my 20s, you could see the shape of the curves in every dress or clothing I wear.”

  Ben, Samuel, and Diana looked at each other.

  “Uh, love,” Ben said to his wife, “I don’t think you’re supposed to say that in front of Roger and 16…”

  Lizzy blushed and waved her hand.

  “Oh my, I didn’t realize…” She calmed down a bit, “I’m so sorry, Roger, sweetie, I forgot I’m supposed to be doing my job, and not talking like this.”

  “Mom,” Samuel piped up, “I think since Roger and 16 aren’t humans, I think they don’t know what human anatomy is.”

  “To be fair,” Roger said to the group, “There are a lot of things that have been said to me over the years. I kind of know the human anatomy, though. Ben told me a lot about female anatomy during his younger years.”

  Now it was Ben’s turn to blush.

  “Anyway,” Diana said, changing the subject, “I noticed the cat was hissing during our trip. Do you think she’s a bad guy?”

  “A nudist beatnik? Probably,” Ben shrugged.

  “Or she’s a spy from the Soviet Union,” 16 guessed.

  “Nah,” Samuel disagrees with 16, “I’m guessing a beatnik.”

  Then, the cat looked at the distance and ran off.

  “I guessed he doesn’t like the word beatnik,” Roger chuckled a bit.

  16 noticed that the four were holding blankets.

  “You’re sleeping in the cab?” 16 asks.

  “Yep,” Ben nodded, “It’s much easier and probably cheaper to sleep in a cab of a steam locomotive instead of renting a hotel. I worked all nights before, back during my time at the S.D. Warren Paper Mill, so waking up very early wasn’t a big deal to me.”

  “Plus, it’s more enjoyable than sleeping in a bedroom,” Lizzy added.

  Just as they were going to talk some more, a voice came up.

  “Don’t. Move,” the voice calmly told the crew and engines.

  Roger and 16 looked around.

  “Who said that?” 16 asks.

  “I-I don’t know,” Samuel stuttered a bit.

  “Who’s there!?” Roger asks nervously.

  The figure came into view: 5 people, most of them wearing black, 3 women and 2 men, though the 3 women were wearing dresses. However, one of the women seemed familiar.

  “Abigail?” Roger asks.

  “No way,” 16 calmly exclaimed, “That’s the nudist passengers!?”

  She pointed a gun at the family.

  “What the fuck!” Ben cried out, “Abigal, what are you doing!?”

  “Work,” She said, with venom in her tone.

  “So you aren’t a nudist then?” Diana asks, with a venomous tone. Despite having a gun pointed at her and her boyfriend’s family.

  “Oh, I am,” Abigail grinned, “I’m just doing work, wouldn’t want blood on my beautiful body.”

  “Work?” Ben asks, then 16 realizes something.

  “You’re the group that is scrapping the steam locomotives!” 16 exclaimed loudly.

  Abigail giggled.

  “Well done, you figured it out,” She grinned, “I’ve been doing this since my early 20s, and racked up a lot of money selling those scrap parts to the black market, a lot of money in this shit.”

  The others looked at each other.

  “You’re going to kill us?” Samuel asks, “But why!?”

  “Since you ask, yes,” She told Samuel, “Because I’m after you!”

  She pointed at Roger.

  “Knowing your history, you’re on a high bargain,” She told the old Porter, “Oh, very old engines like you make great money, enough for me to live off of it for a while.”

  She came over, squatted down to eye level, and cupped Roger’s cheek. Lizzy has fire in her eyes.

  “A fine engine like you, Roger, would be a big payday,” She stroked his cheek. Roger was obviously very scared. She looked at Lizzy, “Dear, try to do anything, and you’ll be singing to your grave. They said 7 is the lucky number.”

  Roger could feel her breath on his face; he was very uncomfortable, and knowing that his crew could be hurt very badly, or worse, killed. He needs to do something, though. What can he do?

  Abigail got up and turned her back.

  “It was an easy job fooling you,” She said, in a boastful tone, “Being a nudist has its perks, and knowing that man or women, wouldn’t resist seeing my body with an innocent look, and not just trains we scrapped, but also valuable cars, boats, and items, just act like a lost nudist women, and they’ll melt in my palms, and thank you on commenting on my figure, it did took some work.”

  She turned back to Roger.

  “This is probably one of my best catches yet,” She grinned, with a venomous look, “Maybe I should hang that bell of yours in my house, like a dead animal.”

  She turned her back to Roger again; the clicking of her heels was the only sound right now.

  “You’re fucking crazy!” Diana told Abigail.

  “Aw, thank you,” She smiled at the redhead, “It’s been a while since someone told me that.”

  Roger and 16 was thinking of an idea, a plan, they’re surrounded, and knowing the consequences of something like this is something that the old Porter didn’t want to experience, god, what he’s going to do, Ben however, was in the cab, very closed to the throttle and the johnson bar, the old Porter could sense that Ben has a plan, though a very risky one. Samuel is close to 16, though not in the cab, so a moment of action is also risky.

  What the engines and the crew didn’t know was that the cat, who had run off earlier, was actually stalking Abigail’s group, but he wasn’t the only one; other stray cats were stalking in the shadows, of different species, sizes, and colors. It wasn’t a big group, around 10-12, but it was enough to subdue five people. The cat enjoys Roger and his crew, so wanting a chance for a new life, the group of felines follows the main cat leader through the shadows.

  Roger, on the other hand, was thinking of a way out; in fact, the others were thinking the same way. He looked around and hoped that something would come out. He closed his eyes to think of a plan, but all of a sudden, he heard a scream.

  “AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!” a scream yelled out, which caused Roger to open his eyes.

  He couldn’t believe it, the same cat that rode the empty train and rode the light engine run was attacking Abigail, mauling her, the scream was loud, like she was getting murdered, but instead, she was getting mauled by the cat. One of her guys stepped forward and tried to help, but Roger and Ben, who seemed to have the same idea, moved forward quickly, just from the right moment as the guy stepped onto the track, the old Porter hits him, luckily, he wasn’t derailed, the impact wasn’t a hard one, he stopped right as he made contact.

  The impact was enough to push the guy on the ground, which is luckily, because a hit like that would’ve killed him if Roger were a standard gauge steam locomotive, or was moving at a faster speed. The old Porter looked at the toppled man before, to his surprise, then, at cue, another cat jumped right on his face, mauling him. The other guy looks so surprised at what’s happening, pulls out his gun, points it at the cat, trying to shoot the cat, but his fellow team member is squirming around, making it hard for him to aim. He pulls the trigger, and a loud bang blasts everyone’s ears.

  “Oh my god, you fucking shot him!” another female member cried out, and she was right, he was shot dead, but the cat came off.

  This was given a chance for Diana to run to the engine shop, which has a telephone, though one of the members of the group, another female, saw her and ran towards her. Samuel realized this and chased the other female member, but didn’t get a chance because another 3 cats came and jumped on the other female member, mauling her. This time, she was moving forward close to Roger, realizing that she was trying to bring the mauling to him. The old Porter moved backwards quickly, then he felt like he hit a bump, and another scream ensued. Samuel went into 16’s cab, and the two of them moved backwards to the engine shop to follow Diana.

  “You slice my toes, you fucking animal!” the male member, who shot his fellow member, cried out.

  Lizzy, who was also in the cab, got out and socked the male member’s face quite hard, a ‘pop’ was heard, and the guy lay on the ground. The guy dropped his gun, and this gave Lizzy a chance to snatch it away from him, now something to defend herself, her husband, and Roger. The last member, another female member, was shaken, nervous, realizing she was the only one still up. She pointed the gun at Roger and pulled the trigger.

  The old Porter moved quickly as he could. He felt a bump, he stopped, then the bullet came flying onto the ground in front of him. Was he shot? Then he heard another gunshot, and the next thing that happened, the female dropped to the ground, Lizzy got out of the cab, holding the gun. Ben looked up.

  “What luck, the bullet shot the bell bracket!” Ben told the old Porter.

  Roger was glad, but at the same time, that did startled him, he looked around, everyone was down, some were shot, some were mostly mauled by the cats, though, the old Porter wondered, if there were any more members like Abigail and the others, though, as much as he wanted this to be over, he felt a gun clicked on his face.

  “Oh, no,” Roger said quietly and softly.

  “You son of a bitch!” Abigail said angrily, her face was covered with claw marks, and it looked like some of her lip was chewed off.

  Roger was surprised and realized some of the members might still be alive. This was a big uh oh, since only one person is dead, which means that they’re still outnumbered. The gun was pointed at his face. This could be it, this could be how his career ends, with a gunshot to his face, his crew killed, and scrapped.

  “Dropped the gun,” a voice said to Abigail.

  She turned around and saw it was Will, and with him were the police. Roger sighed with relief, Ben and Lizzy also sighed with relief as well, and Abigail looked at the old Porter, tempted to shoot, tempted to end the old Porter; it was over.

  The officers and the ambulance came to arrest the perpetrators. Roger could see that some of them were still alive, even the woman that Lizzy shot was still moving, though only one person died, the guy with his toes got sliced off cleanly, lost a lot of blood, though, he could live, Roger watched as Abigail was put in handcuff, with a glare staring at the old Porter and his crew. As much as he was glad that it was over, the feeling of this happening was overwhelming. A familiar redhead ran towards the scene.

  “Roger!” Diana came out.

  Roger could see Diana coming over and gave Ben and Lizzy a long hug. She cupped Roger’s face and kissed him on the nose. She then gave her boyfriend a long hug and a kiss. Everyone was stressed and tired, but it’s all over.

  “Thank god I called just in time, and the police with the ambulance, holy shit,” She panted quite hard. She was tired like everyone else.

  “Thank heavens it’s over,” Samuel said as he leaned on his girlfriend’s shoulder.

  Ben and Lizzy came to the old Porter, with Lizzy dropping the gun. They checked him all over, despite nearly getting killed, they always make sure that Roger is okay, mechanically, emotionally, and physically. Lizzy leaned her forehead against the old Porter’s.

  “Losing you would be the worst night of our career,” Lizzy said calmly.

  “What about you?” Roger asks, “I can get repairs, but you and Ben, one shot, and you’re dead.”

  Ben grinned.

  “You’re always selfless,” Ben chuckled. He leaned on his wife’s back.

  They were tired; everyone is tired, though, despite this, there’s still work that needs to be done. The detective who was working on a case of these gangs that Abigail was operating, became a long search, for a few years, evading law enforcement, and wanted criminals. With the catch and capture, the detective awarded Roger, Ben, Lizzy, Samuel, and Diana for helping to capture the fiends, a reward of over 50,000 dollars. Though with added fines and charges from the ICC and the Steam Locomotive Act of 1870 and the Locomotive Act of 1950.

  It was only 11, felt like hours, and knowing that an excursion was happening till morning, and also knowing railfans would question blood stains, a crime scene cleanup crew came and cleaned up the mess. Since the blood stains were still fresh, it was easier to clean. The news would know about this, and knowing this, the excursion for tomorrow needs to be delayed, mostly to get that mental insanity cleared out. After everything was done and everyone left, Roger was still in steam despite everything that had happened, but he was tired, very tired. The cat, who saved him and his family, jumped onto his cab and slept; that’s what the old Porter did as well.

  June 26th, 1961

  Despite everything that had happened on Friday, the excursion went very well. Roger operated the excursion in the afternoon instead of the morning, and it went well, despite the hot summer day. That day was calm for Roger; everyone who heard about the incident paid their respects, both passengers and locals, Ben told the old Porter that most of the fiends from Friday were young folks, fresh out of high school, which made Roger sad because how could someone, with a fresh start after high school joining a gang that targets no operational steam locomotives.

  The ICC, on the other hand, was very furious about this and fined Abigail and her crew over 1,000,000 dollars in damages, and with the many laws they’ve broken on the Steam Locomotive Act of 1870 and the Locomotive Act of 1950, they were also fined an extra 2,000,000 dollars. Abigail and her crew, and the many other gangs affiliated with her, were arrested. While court dates would start next month and the upcoming months, the Roger Railway would receive 1,000,000 million dollars due to helping capture Abigail, and the result of the bullet being shot at Roger.

  Sunday run went well as well, and Roger was pleased with how the volunteers enjoyed the simplicity of the Indian Valley Line, despite two days after the incident, things were still fresh, though, the old Porter felt like he’s just strolling along, he was hoping to talk to his therapist after the run, knowing that this even could affect him in the future.

  “Thank you for visiting the railroad,” 16 said early in the morning.

  “It’s been…quite the experience,” Roger told his friend, “Will did a great job, how is he?”

  “Still shaken up, but he’s okay, I think,” 16 told the old Porter.

  Roger’s smile faded a bit.

  “I don’t blame him,” Roger told the tank engine, “Ben and the others are calm, but I could tell this would be a memory that lives on, I can feel it as well.”

  16 then looked at Roger, then at the ground.

  “Maybe I should get out of New York for a little vacation,” 16 sighed, “Isn’t your railway operating the special 10th Anniversary event?”

  “Yeah,” Roger told 16, “Months in preparation. It's going to be a great day.”

  16 noticed the cat, sleeping in the cab window.

  “Isn’t that cat going to be staying at the railway?” 16 asks the old Porter?

  “Yep,” Roger smiled, “A new addition to the family, the other cats got adopted after the whole incident, they did a great job protecting us.”

  “It’s going to be sad, seeing you go home,” 16 told his friend.

  Roger smiled.

  “Maybe one day I’ll visit your line again,” He told the tank engine, “You’ve been my closest friends since my railway became a preserved railway.”

  16 smiled as well.

  “Thanks, Roger,” He smiled at the old Porter.

  The two looked at the morning sun; Roger's visit was an overwhelming experience, nearly getting killed, and helping to stop a criminal gang. It was something that lives on; the memories will live on. The old Porter sighed; he wished he didn’t have these memories.