The rhythmic hum of the engine filled the cabin as Martin leaned back in his seat, eyes flicking between the track ahead and the control panel. The early morning air clung to the train, its weight almost comforting in its predictability. Beside him, Ethan scanned the CCTV monitor, his brow furrowed. “Martin,” he said, his voice tight with unease.
“You need to see this.” Martin leaned forward, the grainy feed sharpening into view. On the screen, faint figures moved along the embankment, their silhouettes dark against the pre-dawn glow. At first, they seemed like track inspectors, but their deliberate movements made his stomach twist.
Tools glinted in their hands as they closed in. “They’re not supposed to be there,” Martin muttered, toggling to another feed. His breath caught. The figures had disappeared—only to reappear moments later, climbing onto the rear of the train. “They’re boarding.”