April 14, 1884
So much is happening lately that I wonder if my mind will implode if I stop and try to process it all. I meet two members of the Family in the same day, I break into my little sister's apartment, I am followed by someone--I can't even imagine who--and we find the Silver Train. That's right. Key and I found the Silver Train.
It's real, and it's the most amazing locomotive I've ever seen. It just looks so majestic and powerful. Looking at it, I could easily believe everything in the Conductor's letter is true. There are stars out there. There are forests. And sunlight. And sunsets. And animals that aren't just bred to be eaten. And so much open space. Anything can be true if it's this train leading the way.
Unfortunately, this train is being used for something...unusual. I would call it nefarious or dastardly, but Key and I still don't exactly know what they are doing. They load crates onto the train, and they have crates that were delivered by the train. Key opened one up and found a piece of unrefined nickel. If I were to hazard a guess, I would say that the City Council lied about the state of our resources. That maybe Terne doesn't have enough resources to support itself. If they are getting the nickel and other things elsewhere, though, then that means the City Council also lied about there being nothing usable or worthwhile beyond the dome. I never thought I'd live to see the day when I can no longer trust the City Council.
What worries me most, though, are the people. They are loading people in scoop stretchers onto the train. I couldn't tell if any of them were alive, but either way I'm left with more questions than answers. What are they doing with these people?
Key
April 14, 1884
I guess the Family doesn't have any normal people among its members. But that's to be expected of criminals, I guess.
Even though Eli was a bit on the grungy side, at least he made an effort to blend in with the "regular people." I just met the other member of the Family he told me would be waiting at 22 Mercury. This woman makes no pretense of blending in. She wears pants, for crying out loud. I'm somewhat glad we haven't found Molly yet because I know how easily influenced she is. Mother would have a heart attack if she caught Molly wearing pants. "Pants are for brutes," she says. "Dresses are for ladies." Then again, it might not be such a bad idea for Molly to follow this woman's example.
By this woman, I mean Key. Or that's what she told me to call her. Eli did the same thing. It makes me wonder if these people actually have names or if only Family members can use their real names.
I am glad, though, that I have Key helping me. She knows far more about Terne than I thought possible. She knew almost immediately what the phrase "crimping shop where the waters meet" from Molly's letter meant. With Key's help, I feel it's only a matter of hours before I have Molly safe and sound at home.
I guess the Family doesn't have any normal people among its members. But that's to be expected of criminals, I guess.
Even though Eli was a bit on the grungy side, at least he made an effort to blend in with the "regular people." I just met the other member of the Family he told me would be waiting at 22 Mercury. This woman makes no pretense of blending in. She wears pants, for crying out loud. I'm somewhat glad we haven't found Molly yet because I know how easily influenced she is. Mother would have a heart attack if she caught Molly wearing pants. "Pants are for brutes," she says. "Dresses are for ladies." Then again, it might not be such a bad idea for Molly to follow this woman's example.
By this woman, I mean Key. Or that's what she told me to call her. Eli did the same thing. It makes me wonder if these people actually have names or if only Family members can use their real names.
I am glad, though, that I have Key helping me. She knows far more about Terne than I thought possible. She knew almost immediately what the phrase "crimping shop where the waters meet" from Molly's letter meant. With Key's help, I feel it's only a matter of hours before I have Molly safe and sound at home.
The Letter
April 14, 1884
I found the letter Molly received from the Conductor. So it's true. She really did leave on the Silver Train. I hadn't thought it possible... that she really would leave me.
As for this letter, the Conductor can't be serious, can he? Sure, Terne is a bit overpopulated at the moment, and we are a little short on food. But "not enough energy?" We have over three dozen industrial boilers in this city! We're producing so much steam and so much electricity that there's no way we can use it all. At least... That was the impression I got. We've never had any power failures or energy shortages... Maybe I should ask Dr. Everard about this next time I get the chance.
Still, I can see why Molly was tempted. Do stars still exist outside the city? I wonder what they look like... I've seen the pictures in library books, but it just doesn't seem real... And forests? There's not supposed to be anything but desolate wasteland beyond the dome. Could there really be forests out there? With birds other than chickens? And sunlight? If only this letter didn't too good to be true... I would've asked Molly to take me with her.
I found the letter Molly received from the Conductor. So it's true. She really did leave on the Silver Train. I hadn't thought it possible... that she really would leave me.As for this letter, the Conductor can't be serious, can he? Sure, Terne is a bit overpopulated at the moment, and we are a little short on food. But "not enough energy?" We have over three dozen industrial boilers in this city! We're producing so much steam and so much electricity that there's no way we can use it all. At least... That was the impression I got. We've never had any power failures or energy shortages... Maybe I should ask Dr. Everard about this next time I get the chance.
Still, I can see why Molly was tempted. Do stars still exist outside the city? I wonder what they look like... I've seen the pictures in library books, but it just doesn't seem real... And forests? There's not supposed to be anything but desolate wasteland beyond the dome. Could there really be forests out there? With birds other than chickens? And sunlight? If only this letter didn't too good to be true... I would've asked Molly to take me with her.
Conspiracy Theories
April 14, 1884
I never thought I would succumb to conspiracy theories like Molly does, but my tangle with the police tonight kind of has me a bit paranoid...
I broke into Molly's apartment just a while ago. I had to find that letter. I had to know if she really did just pack up her stuff and leave to go ride the Silver Train. I mean, how could she do something like that to me? I'm her brother. Her only real family since Mother basically cut off her maternal instincts when they cut the umbilical cord. Even if I we did argue, she couldn't have just left without at least saying goodbye... That stupid brat.
I had thought the City Council would've cleaned out all of Molly's things, shipped them off to Mother, and rented the apartment out to some new tenants. In which case, I decided to wear my complete boiler engineer uniform as a means to convince the new tenants to let me in. I would just show up, say I'm there to fix a broken pipe, and then I'm free to look for the letter while I "check the pipes." I bet it would've worked, too, since just about everyone has at least one broken pipe. They just don't make pipes like they used to.
The City Council did not rent out the apartment. Instead, there were two policemen guarding the door. Eli warned me that the police have taken to watching the homes of people who have gone missing, but I guess I didn't really take him seriously. I mean, the man looked like he hadn't shaved in weeks or baths in months. And his terrible smell confirmed it.
The only reason I can think of as to why the police would be guarding Molly's apartment--especially when housing is so scarce--would be the same reason I needed to break in: the letter. Could it be that the police are part of the Silver Train scheme? That they're looking for the letter, not to save my sister, but to remove all traces that the Silver Train was involved? It would make sense, considering their pathetic attempt at investigating her disappearance. They never wanted to find her.
I wonder how high this goes... Is it just the police that are involved, or it the entire Department of Justice? Or could it go all the way up to the City Council? I just can't be sure at this point.
I never thought I would succumb to conspiracy theories like Molly does, but my tangle with the police tonight kind of has me a bit paranoid...
I broke into Molly's apartment just a while ago. I had to find that letter. I had to know if she really did just pack up her stuff and leave to go ride the Silver Train. I mean, how could she do something like that to me? I'm her brother. Her only real family since Mother basically cut off her maternal instincts when they cut the umbilical cord. Even if I we did argue, she couldn't have just left without at least saying goodbye... That stupid brat.
I had thought the City Council would've cleaned out all of Molly's things, shipped them off to Mother, and rented the apartment out to some new tenants. In which case, I decided to wear my complete boiler engineer uniform as a means to convince the new tenants to let me in. I would just show up, say I'm there to fix a broken pipe, and then I'm free to look for the letter while I "check the pipes." I bet it would've worked, too, since just about everyone has at least one broken pipe. They just don't make pipes like they used to.
The City Council did not rent out the apartment. Instead, there were two policemen guarding the door. Eli warned me that the police have taken to watching the homes of people who have gone missing, but I guess I didn't really take him seriously. I mean, the man looked like he hadn't shaved in weeks or baths in months. And his terrible smell confirmed it.
The only reason I can think of as to why the police would be guarding Molly's apartment--especially when housing is so scarce--would be the same reason I needed to break in: the letter. Could it be that the police are part of the Silver Train scheme? That they're looking for the letter, not to save my sister, but to remove all traces that the Silver Train was involved? It would make sense, considering their pathetic attempt at investigating her disappearance. They never wanted to find her.
I wonder how high this goes... Is it just the police that are involved, or it the entire Department of Justice? Or could it go all the way up to the City Council? I just can't be sure at this point.
The Funeral
April 14, 1884
Molly's funeral was today. Even though there was no body to cremate, Mother purchased an urn anyway. But she did not stop there. No, Mother pulled out all the stops and probably whittled away a good portion of the money Father left her in his will. What would have been Molly's and my inheritance if Mother would ever die. Of course, through her connections in the City Council, she probably has the Department of Development working on a mechanical body for her. So she'll live forever.
Anyhow, Mother followed the old funeral customs to the letter. She had a procession of black carriages tour the city. Or, at least, that's what she told me she did since I did not join her. I met her and the other mourners--assuming they cared for my sister at all--at the cemetery. Odds are, though, many of them were merely there so that they could enjoy the post-funeral feast at Mother's house. Again, another proceeding I did not attend since Molly is not actually dead.
I did meet at least one genuine mourner at the funeral: Dr. Everard. Dr. Everard works in the Department of Energy building, same as Molly and me. He was the last person to see her alive. I asked him about it, but, other than that Molly seemed in a great hurry, he wasn't very informative. Still, it was quite touching of him to pay his respects.
However, the most... interesting part of the funeral was after the crowd of mourners had dispersed. I met a member of the Family.
If Father were alive to hear this, I'm sure I would get a lashing hard enough to warrant my own funeral. Father was a strict believer in Terne's law and order, and he despised criminal activity in all forms. He'd often say things like "I didn't raise any child of mine to know life!" or "Stokers are not lurkers!" when I came home from playing with my schoolmates, as if I'd learn the ways of a criminal from them. But I digress.
I've never met a member of the Family before today, but I had never pictured one to look... like Eli. Or that was what he told me to call him. Eli is a peculiar man, to say the least. With a periscopic eye and a brass vest. More than that, though, is his unshaven face, copper teeth, and rotten breath. Once you become a criminal, do you no longer care about hygiene?
Poor hygiene aside, I think Eli could actually help me find Molly. He told me the Family knows the Silver Train's the cause. Not just for my sister's disappearance but for all the rest as well. He said I need to search Molly's apartment for the letter she received from the Conductor and then go to 22 on Mercury Lane.
I know it's close to curfew. The police will start patrolling the streets while repairs are made to the dome and the pipes that weave throughout the city. If I am not back to my apartment by 11, I could be arrested and sentenced to some prison time. That is, if I get caught. While repairs are underway, most of the dome's industrial lights will be down, giving me some cover of darkness. But still, this is quite a risk... I might lose my job in addition to prison time if I'm unlucky with the sentencing judge...
Still, I can't stand by and do nothing. This could be my only chance to help Molly. So, I will search her apartment. And I will consort with the likes of the Family. I just hope this doesn't end up being a deal with the devil.
Molly's funeral was today. Even though there was no body to cremate, Mother purchased an urn anyway. But she did not stop there. No, Mother pulled out all the stops and probably whittled away a good portion of the money Father left her in his will. What would have been Molly's and my inheritance if Mother would ever die. Of course, through her connections in the City Council, she probably has the Department of Development working on a mechanical body for her. So she'll live forever.
Anyhow, Mother followed the old funeral customs to the letter. She had a procession of black carriages tour the city. Or, at least, that's what she told me she did since I did not join her. I met her and the other mourners--assuming they cared for my sister at all--at the cemetery. Odds are, though, many of them were merely there so that they could enjoy the post-funeral feast at Mother's house. Again, another proceeding I did not attend since Molly is not actually dead.
I did meet at least one genuine mourner at the funeral: Dr. Everard. Dr. Everard works in the Department of Energy building, same as Molly and me. He was the last person to see her alive. I asked him about it, but, other than that Molly seemed in a great hurry, he wasn't very informative. Still, it was quite touching of him to pay his respects.
However, the most... interesting part of the funeral was after the crowd of mourners had dispersed. I met a member of the Family.
If Father were alive to hear this, I'm sure I would get a lashing hard enough to warrant my own funeral. Father was a strict believer in Terne's law and order, and he despised criminal activity in all forms. He'd often say things like "I didn't raise any child of mine to know life!" or "Stokers are not lurkers!" when I came home from playing with my schoolmates, as if I'd learn the ways of a criminal from them. But I digress.
I've never met a member of the Family before today, but I had never pictured one to look... like Eli. Or that was what he told me to call him. Eli is a peculiar man, to say the least. With a periscopic eye and a brass vest. More than that, though, is his unshaven face, copper teeth, and rotten breath. Once you become a criminal, do you no longer care about hygiene?
Poor hygiene aside, I think Eli could actually help me find Molly. He told me the Family knows the Silver Train's the cause. Not just for my sister's disappearance but for all the rest as well. He said I need to search Molly's apartment for the letter she received from the Conductor and then go to 22 on Mercury Lane.
I know it's close to curfew. The police will start patrolling the streets while repairs are made to the dome and the pipes that weave throughout the city. If I am not back to my apartment by 11, I could be arrested and sentenced to some prison time. That is, if I get caught. While repairs are underway, most of the dome's industrial lights will be down, giving me some cover of darkness. But still, this is quite a risk... I might lose my job in addition to prison time if I'm unlucky with the sentencing judge...
Still, I can't stand by and do nothing. This could be my only chance to help Molly. So, I will search her apartment. And I will consort with the likes of the Family. I just hope this doesn't end up being a deal with the devil.
Mother's Decision
April 12, 1884
I cannot deny it any longer. Molly must be in serious danger. She's been missing for roughly a month now. Last week, despite Mother's objections, I went to the police to report Molly's disappearance. I even bought space in the Gazette for a missing persons ad. So far, though, nobody has responded to my ad.
I can't count on the police to find Molly either. Two detectives stopped by Mother's house yesterday while I was visiting and told us that they were closing the investigation. They said that there were no leads into my sister's disappearance and that she had probably found a way out of Terne. That, since she was outside the safety of the city, she was most likely dead.
Mother immediately stopped all the clocks in the house. She told me to throw crapes over the mirrors to keep Molly's spirit from getting trapped in the looking glass. I humored her. Even if that superstition were true, I highly doubt Molly's spirit would visit Mother's house over Molly's own home.
The detectives are wrong, though. I know Molly's not dead. I can feel it. I told Mother so.
"I know how much you miss her, Parnell," Mother told me, "but she's not coming back. If she made it outside Terne, I'm afraid there's no hope for my baby girl."
She didn't want to hear another word about it. Instead, she decided to prepare for Molly's funeral. She pulled out black-bordered stationary and began writing letters to our family friends.
I refuse to give up on Molly. I know she must be here somewhere. She needs me, and I will not fail her.
I cannot deny it any longer. Molly must be in serious danger. She's been missing for roughly a month now. Last week, despite Mother's objections, I went to the police to report Molly's disappearance. I even bought space in the Gazette for a missing persons ad. So far, though, nobody has responded to my ad.
I can't count on the police to find Molly either. Two detectives stopped by Mother's house yesterday while I was visiting and told us that they were closing the investigation. They said that there were no leads into my sister's disappearance and that she had probably found a way out of Terne. That, since she was outside the safety of the city, she was most likely dead.
Mother immediately stopped all the clocks in the house. She told me to throw crapes over the mirrors to keep Molly's spirit from getting trapped in the looking glass. I humored her. Even if that superstition were true, I highly doubt Molly's spirit would visit Mother's house over Molly's own home.
The detectives are wrong, though. I know Molly's not dead. I can feel it. I told Mother so.
"I know how much you miss her, Parnell," Mother told me, "but she's not coming back. If she made it outside Terne, I'm afraid there's no hope for my baby girl."
She didn't want to hear another word about it. Instead, she decided to prepare for Molly's funeral. She pulled out black-bordered stationary and began writing letters to our family friends.
I refuse to give up on Molly. I know she must be here somewhere. She needs me, and I will not fail her.
Have You Seen Molly?
March 29, 1884
I'm worried about Molly. My little sister hasn't spoken to me for about a week now. I knew she was mad at me for what I said about the Silver Train, but I don't think that's the case anymore. Something's wrong. She's never been upset with me for this long...
I've tried talking to Mother about Molly, but Mother doesn't have time for either of us lately. She's far too busy schmoozing with the city councilmen and department heads. She sent me a message the other day to tell me that I'm worrying for nothing. That Molly will come around in her own time. But I doubt it.
I used to see glimpses of Molly at work, disappearing into the file room or rushing out the front door, but I haven't even seen glimpses these past few days. Her desk is always empty when I come to work. I pass by her apartment on my way home, and I never see any lights on.
It's like... she's not here anymore. Like she's not in Terne. But if she's not in the city, where could she be? I doubt she found a way out of the city, no matter how much she complained. Unless... No, it's impossible. It's not real... It's just a scam.
Molly couldn't have found the Silver Train.
I'm worried about Molly. My little sister hasn't spoken to me for about a week now. I knew she was mad at me for what I said about the Silver Train, but I don't think that's the case anymore. Something's wrong. She's never been upset with me for this long...
 |
| My sister, Molly Stoker, at the Terne Public Library. |
I used to see glimpses of Molly at work, disappearing into the file room or rushing out the front door, but I haven't even seen glimpses these past few days. Her desk is always empty when I come to work. I pass by her apartment on my way home, and I never see any lights on.
It's like... she's not here anymore. Like she's not in Terne. But if she's not in the city, where could she be? I doubt she found a way out of the city, no matter how much she complained. Unless... No, it's impossible. It's not real... It's just a scam.
Molly couldn't have found the Silver Train.
Terne Overpopulation Newspaper Article
March 21, 1884
The last time the DHA had predicted such an increase was back in 1868. I was only 11, but my stomach still hurts to remember that year. The City Council rationed our food so much that we only ate meat once a week. Tea was a special treat. By the second month of the rationing, I was sick of vegetable soup and pasta. You only feel full eating that for so long.
I wonder what the City Council is planning this time... They could enforce more strict rations, but that wouldn't solve the housing problem. There'd still be hundreds of people sleeping in the streets if the DHA's prediction is accurate. Well, even if the Council does ration the food more, it'll take quite a bit of effort on their part to make things as bad as in '68.
By the way, I haven't heard from Molly lately. I dropped by her apartment yesterday, but she didn't answer the door. She's probably still sore about the Silver Train business. I'll give her a few more days to sulk.
The Boiler Room
March 19th, 1884
I nearly died today. The boiler almost exploded. If it had, you'd bet I be a melted blob of human flesh right now. Instead, I got away with a minor burn on my arm. A water injector broke. There are only two of them, and the boiler needs both working to keep from heating too quickly.
I don't know how the city council could have overlooked this, though. The boiler was just repaired last month after it nearly exploded then. I don't know what happened, but the guy who had this job before me didn't have my luck. The guy was an old man of sixty-some-odd years, and the third degree burns from the steam almost killed him. Of course, if that hadn't happened, the job wouldn't have opened up for me to take... Anyway, the shoddy water injector should've been caught then.
Besides a near scrape with death, I also ran into my little sister Molly. We work in the same building, so it shouldn't be too unusual to see her. She works in administration, though. A desk job. So, really I haven't seen her since I moved out of her guest room a couple of weeks ago.
I never thought Molly would be against the city council ordinances. Growing up, she always seemed so responsible. Keeping her bed made. Always polishing her copper gears and goggles. Never climbing on pipes, just like Mother said. But Molly told me she's tired of being under the city council's thumb. She's tired of living by their "ridiculous rules." She actually questioned their law not to let anyone beyond the dome. As if that weren't for our own safety!
But, even worse, she said she got a letter from the Conductor.
The Conductor is an absolute cad! He uses the Silver Train scam to lure innocent citizens from the safety of our city. Any idiot who reads the papers can see that. I never believed my sister an idiot.
"The Silver Train is not something to be feared," Molly told me. "It will save us." Save us from what? Why would we need to be saved from this city? Sure, we've suffered a few problems lately, but there's no reason we need to be saved.
I only hope I can make her see reason. Before she falls victim to this "Conductor."
I nearly died today. The boiler almost exploded. If it had, you'd bet I be a melted blob of human flesh right now. Instead, I got away with a minor burn on my arm. A water injector broke. There are only two of them, and the boiler needs both working to keep from heating too quickly.
I don't know how the city council could have overlooked this, though. The boiler was just repaired last month after it nearly exploded then. I don't know what happened, but the guy who had this job before me didn't have my luck. The guy was an old man of sixty-some-odd years, and the third degree burns from the steam almost killed him. Of course, if that hadn't happened, the job wouldn't have opened up for me to take... Anyway, the shoddy water injector should've been caught then.
Besides a near scrape with death, I also ran into my little sister Molly. We work in the same building, so it shouldn't be too unusual to see her. She works in administration, though. A desk job. So, really I haven't seen her since I moved out of her guest room a couple of weeks ago.
I never thought Molly would be against the city council ordinances. Growing up, she always seemed so responsible. Keeping her bed made. Always polishing her copper gears and goggles. Never climbing on pipes, just like Mother said. But Molly told me she's tired of being under the city council's thumb. She's tired of living by their "ridiculous rules." She actually questioned their law not to let anyone beyond the dome. As if that weren't for our own safety!
But, even worse, she said she got a letter from the Conductor.
The Conductor is an absolute cad! He uses the Silver Train scam to lure innocent citizens from the safety of our city. Any idiot who reads the papers can see that. I never believed my sister an idiot.
"The Silver Train is not something to be feared," Molly told me. "It will save us." Save us from what? Why would we need to be saved from this city? Sure, we've suffered a few problems lately, but there's no reason we need to be saved.
I only hope I can make her see reason. Before she falls victim to this "Conductor."
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