Surviving the Simulation: The Grand Crusade

The pre-dawn light stretched across the sky, chasing away the last remnants of night. Puffy clouds drifted lazily overhead, and if it weren't for the world in ruin, it would have been a perfect morning. One of those late summer days where the promise of fall lingers in the air. Xander, Zoey, and Jo fell into step as they took their positions as rear guards. Their boots crunched softly on the asphalt of the two-lane highway, the only sound besides the creak of wagon wheels and the occasional snort from a horse.

"Kane's still pretty beat up," Xander said quietly, glancing at the wagon where their injured companion rested. "Looks like he is going to be ok, but he's out of action for now."

"I'm more worried about the others," she said. "That engineer's death… It doesn't sit right with me. People are freaking out."

Zoey frowned. "It's strange, isn't it? We've been on high alert since the sabotage at Starlight, but we still don't know who we can trust. Some of those last-minute additions to the expedition. They were refugees we escorted to Starlight at the beginning. But that doesn't mean we really know them. Plus, we know Lucy was a giant shit stirrer."

"Exactly," Jo agreed. "And the timing… It feels too coincidental. We lose one of our engineers just as we're getting close. Too far to turn back."

Xander's jaw tightened. "I don't like coincidences. And I don't like that we're in the dark. I'm thinking that the Cult of the Simulation has a longer reach and more nefarious purpose than we thought. What is real and what is people using them as the bogeyman?"

"We don't have any proof, but it's not like we need it to be cautious. We should keep our eyes open. If someone's playing a long game, we need to be ready." Zoey replied.

The road stretched out before them, the fields on either side whispering in the morning breeze. Birds stirred in the trees lining the road, their songs brightening the air, yet the undercurrent of rot from the spoiled cornfields lingered, a reminder of the decay that had crept into their world.

"Still," Xander said after a pause, his tone lighter, "we're almost there. Whatever we find at the museum… it could be a game-changer. Maybe the tide will turn."

Jo offered a small smile. "Let's hope so. We could use some good news for once."

Zoey chuckled softly. "Yeah, something to lift everyone's spirits. Maybe we'll find more than just relics in that museum. Something that'll help us take on the General those creepy undead knights mentioned."

"Plots within plots. The AI is behind the world event, obviously. So that should be pretty straightforward, be it is still perilous. The Cult of the Simulation is playing a shadow game, especially if they are linked to Victor. What their end goal is, who knows, but it's looking like a conspiracy. Those are much harder to root out."

The conversation eased the tension slightly, and they continued on, the weariness of the journey making itself known in the way their shoulders slumped and their pace slowed. It was nearly noon when the museum came into view, its gates standing tall and silent against the landscape. The Starlight Oasis expedition trudged along the overgrown tracks, the museum looming ahead like the finish line to a marathon. Seeing it, the group felt renewed energy.

"There it is," Xander said, a note of relief in his voice. "We've made it."

Zoey and Jo exchanged glances, both of them smiling despite the soreness they both felt from the days of fighting and travel. "Let's hope whatever's inside is worth the trip," Jo said.

"We're almost there," Harvey called out to the caravan.

Xander moved up beside him. "Do you think the information is right?" He asked. "That we'll find a working steam train and the gear needed to get it back to Starlight?"

Harvey nodded. "Little late to be asking that question, isn't it? It has to be. It's our best shot."

As they approached, the museum's gates stood ajar, rusting silently on their hinges like the forgotten guardians of another era. Xander and the rest of the expedition slipped inside the compound, the scent of old oil and aged metal immediately enveloping them, a nostalgic reminder of the past's industrious hum. Before them, the railway museum sprawled out like a vast, open-air time capsule, preserving the legacy of locomotion through the ages.

Rows of trains stood silent along the cracked and weed-choked spurs of the rail yard. Each engine and railway car bore the marks of time as faded paint, peeling insignias, and the pockmarked surfaces of rusted iron. Yet, despite their weathered exteriors, these relics had an undeniable grandeur. The engines ranged from sleek, art déco marvels of the 1930s to the squat, muscular workhorses of the industrial age, each representing a different chapter in the storied history of the railways.

Harvey turned to Gary. "Get the base camp set up. We're going to need everything ready as quickly as possible."

Gary nodded, taking a deep breath as he looked out over the vast yard of the railway museum. "On it," he replied. Without wasting a moment, he strode toward the line of wagons that had halted just inside the compound's gates.

"Alright, everyone!" Gary called out as he approached the wagon drivers. "Let's get these wagons in position. We're setting up base camp over by those maintenance sheds. There is plenty of space and some decent cover."

The drivers nodded, snapped their reins, and guided the horses forward. The wagons creaked into motion, the heavy wheels crunching over gravel and patches of overgrown grass. Gary walked alongside the lead wagon, keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings.

"Take the supply wagon and circle it around to the left," Gary instructed one driver. "We'll use it as a windbreak. Keep it close to the sheds, but not so close that we can't maneuver if we need to."

Giving Gary a thumbs-up, the driver expertly maneuvered the wagon into position, the horses snorting and stamping as they adjusted to the fresh path. Behind him, the other drivers followed suit, carefully spacing the wagons to form a rough perimeter. Soon, the sound of hammers filled the air as the drivers unpacked the first tents and the temporary shelters took shape.

"You two, start unloading the cooking gear," Gary continued, turning to a pair of young volunteers who had been riding in one of the supply wagons. "We'll need the kitchen up and running before nightfall. Test the water on that well over there and it if is clean, sent the kitchen up next to it."

"Got it, Gary," they replied in unison, already hopping down from the wagon. The two moving quickly to unload crates and barrels from the back.

As the activity increased, Gary moved from wagon to wagon, checking on the progress and offering a hand where needed. Working with the efficiency developed throughout the trip, the team set up tents, secured supplies, and ensured the horses received proper care after the long journey. The noise and bustle of the camp came as a reassuring contrast to the quiet tension that had marked their entry into the museum yard.

Within the hour, the base camp was taking shape. The wagons formed a protective circle around the central area, where a large communal tent was being erected. Smoke curled upward from the makeshift kitchen as the first fires were lit, the scent of roasting meat mingling with the ever-present odor of old metal and oil from the nearby train exhibits.

Xander watched as Gary stood back momentarily, surveying the scene with a satisfied nod. The caravan had been through a lot, but they were becoming a well-oiled machine for setting up camp. As the day wore on, they would be ready to face whatever challenges awaited them inside the museum's gates.

"Looks good, people," Gary called out, his voice filled with a mix of pride and relief. "Keep it up, and we'll be ready for anything."

The wagon drivers and volunteers nodded, their spirits lifted by the steady rhythm of their work. The base camp was more than just a temporary shelter. It was a symbol of their resilience and determination. And with Gary's guidance, Xander knew they could turn even this abandoned rail yard into a stronghold.

"It's amazing the amount of change in Gary and his group over the last week," Jo said as she stood next to Xander.

"Not going to lie. I was getting really down on humanity after everything we've been dealing with lately. But seeing that people can step up to the challenge, like Gary and the rest of his group has, with just a little nudge in the right direction, gives me hope that maybe humanity will make it out the other side of this." Xander replied.

Cabbot, who appeared out of nowhere, suddenly interrupted the seriousness of the discussion. Her fur, as wispy and translucent as morning fog, shimmered as she prowled the train yard with the grace of a ghostly panther. Her ethereal tail flicked as she locked onto her prey. A plump little mouse nibbling on a stray kernel of corn. With eyes glowing faintly in the dim light, Cabbot crept closer, each paw step as silent as the grave, her whiskers twitching in anticipation.

"Cabbot!" Xander hollered, excited to see his spectral companion again. He didn't want to admit it, but he had been worried since she had disappeared during the undead event back in Seymour, "I'm glad you're back, but maybe a bit of effort letting me know you're okay next time, yeah?"

Just as she was about to pounce, the mouse's ears perked up at the sound of Xander's voice, and in a blink, it darted into the shadowy undercarriage of a rusty old steam engine. Cabbot sprang into the air, only to land on an empty spot, her spectral paws passing through the gravel as if chasing shadows. The mouse poked its head out from a safe nook, gave a cheeky squeak as if to say, "Better luck next time," and vanished into the maze of tracks, leaving Cabbot to swish his tail in disgruntled amusement as she huffed and glared back at Xander.

"Hey, don't blame me. You could have prevented this with a little heads-up that you were still alive instead of just showing up like nothing happened." Xander smiled back.

Having been bested by a creature several sizes smaller, Cabbot slunk away from the train yard with all the dignity a spectral cat could muster, her tail held high despite the phantom swish of failure still lingering in the air. She padded soundlessly toward Xander. With a graceful leap, Cabbot landed on his shoulder, her ghostly paws barely brushing his skin, and purred.

Xander chuckled, scratching behind her translucent ear. Cabbot, in true feline fashion, merely closed her eyes and leaned into the touch as if to say, "Yes, you may worship me now." She nuzzled his cheek with all the affection she could muster. Even in this display of ghostly warmth, there was an unmistakable air of superiority, as if letting Xander pet her was a privilege only she could bestow. Then, as quickly as she had appeared, she vanished again.

"Well, that answers my concern on if I'd lost Cabbot or not. I was assuming I would have gotten some kind of notification if I had, but who knows," Xander said, glancing back to where the mouse Cabbot had been chasing stood on its hind legs. For a moment, Xander almost thought he saw intelligence behind the creature's actions. Dismissing the thought as human nature to project intelligence onto simple animalist behavior, he turned back toward. Jo.

"I'm glad she's still with us," Jo responded.

"Same." Xander replied before looking back over the base camp Gary had established and changing the subject. "Let's get with Harvey. I want to get the rest of this show on the road."

As if reading his mind, Harvey rounded the end of a nearby wagon with Zoey close behind. Approaching the pair, Harvey hollered, "Xander, Jo, there you are!"

"Hey Harvey, we were just going to come find you. You ready to get moving?" Xander responded.

"Yep. I think we leave Gary and his guys here to guard the wagons and engineers. Your team, my team, and then the top two engineers will go explore the museum."

"You sure you want to bring some engineers?"

"Well, are you going to tell if we found a working steam engine and all the other train stuff we need?" Harvey replied, grinning.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"Fair, just concerned for their safety while we ensure this place is clear," Xander added.

"The two engineers I want to bring along now how to handle themselves. So I think we'll be ok."

"Alright, then let's get everyone together and move out," Xander said.

Ten minutes later, as the group moved into the compound proper, the sheer scale of the museum became apparent. The railway yard alone was a sprawling expanse, with tracks crisscrossing like veins, leading off into the distance toward a nearby main line that once connected cities and towns now lost to memory. Engines were arranged in rows, some under large metal awnings that provided scant shelter from the elements, while others stood proudly in the open, their bulk casting long shadows over the gravel and grass below.

To their left, a series of pavilions stretched out, reminiscent of those found in parks or historical sites, each equipped with benches, tables, and trash cans, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on the surrounding marvels. Strategically placed at intersections, faded but still legible maps directed guests to various exhibits. Weathered markers stood at intervals, their inscriptions offering snippets of history and technical details, guiding the curious through a journey of discovery.

"There," Xander said, pointing towards the welcome center pavilion. "Looks like steam era exhibits are in the last building in the line. Of course, it's the furthest building from where we currently stand."

"Let's keep it moving. I'm going to go up top and give us the high sight," Zoey said as she scampered off to the nearby rail car to climb the railing to the top. As the team moved further into the compound, she leaped from rooftop to rooftop, keeping a sharp eye out.

The railway museum, though worn by time, was alive with history. Every track, every engine, every building whispered of a world that had once thrived on steam and steel, and as Xander and his companions moved forward, they couldn't help but feel the weight of the past mingled with hope for the future.

A dozen buildings, each with its own purpose and story, scattered across the compound beyond the rail yard. Closest to the entrance were the public-facing buildings. A cafeteria that once bustled with the chatter of tourists, now silent and dust-covered; a gift shop with its windows clouded by neglect; and exhibit halls that housed delicate artifacts, protected from the elements. Inside these halls, curators carefully preserved lanterns once used by conductors, tools that built the rails, and other relics of a bygone era; each piece testifies to the craftsmanship and innovation that powered the golden age of trains.

Farther back, near the outer edge of the compound, were the buildings where the genuine work of the museum had taken place. These non-public structures were the workshops and maintenance sheds, where the museum's personnel had labored to restore and maintain these iron giants. Massive doors hinted at the cavernous interiors where engines were once taken apart and meticulously pieced back together.

But the steam engine exhibits drew the expedition's attention most. These rail cars were the collection's crown jewels situated at the farthest point from the entrance. Massively ornate, they stood in regal rows, their hulking forms dominating the landscape. These cars were the tools of steam behemoths that had conquered mountains and bridged continents, their presence evoking a sense of awe. It was here that the expedition hoped to find their prize. An iron titan relic able to be restored to working order that could once again be called back into service to reconquer the land.

Xander paused at the threshold of the building, his hand raised to signal the group to halt. The massive steel door, shut tightly, swung open easily on its hinges as he nudged it open, revealing the dimly lit interior. The group gathered close, the two engineers standing nervously in the middle of the formation for protection. Harvey sidled up beside Xander, his eyes scanning the shadowy recesses of the room beyond.

"Let's be cautious," Xander whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "We'll go in first. Harvey, bring your team in right after the engineers. We don't know what's in there."

Harvey nodded in agreement, gripping his weapon tighter. "Agreed. We clear the main floor first, then secure the rest of the building."

The team moved in, their footsteps barely making a sound on the polished concrete floor. The interior of the building had a striking, almost surreal quality to it. An eerie juxtaposition of artistry and industry. Massive steel beams, painted in muted industrial tones, crisscrossed the vaulted ceiling high above, each supporting an array of dangling overhead lights. It was a space that celebrated the power and beauty of engineering, an industrial cathedral. It was as if the building had been designed to withstand the apocalypse itself, standing defiant against the ravages of time and disaster.

As they entered the main hall, their breaths caught collectively. There, sitting like dormant titans, were not one but two massive steam engines. The hulking machines stood side by side, their once-polished exteriors now dulled with age but unmistakably intact. Xander's eyes widened as he took in the sight, and the rest of the group exchanged glances of surprise.

"Two engines," Harvey said. "We were only expecting one."

The engineers stepped forward, their initial nervousness giving way to a mix of excitement and professional curiosity. Their eyes gleamed as they inspected the nearest engine, hands brushing over the cold metal with reverence.

"These are operational," One said, her voice filled with awe. She pointed out various components that ran along the length of the engines. "Look at this. The boilers are intact, the water tanks are still sealed. The lubrication systems haven't dried out. They're ready to go."

The other nodded, his fingers tracing the lines of the pressure gauges. "And not just operational. They're in amazing condition. Whoever maintained these engines knew what they were doing. There's no sign of neglect."

As the engineers examined the engines, a series of metal racks along the far wall caught Xander's attention. Neatly stacked on pallets, arranged with military precision, were crates and containers, all marked with stenciled labels. He motioned for the others to follow as he approached the racks, the contents becoming clearer as they drew near.

One engineer was the first to understand the significance of what they were seeing. "These supplies…they're everything we need," she said, her voice rising in excitement. "Look at how they're organized. Spare parts, tools, maintenance kits. Everything is here."

The other engineer joined her, his face lighting up with realization. "This isn't just a collection of random supplies. It's a fully stocked inventory for long-term operation and maintenance." He pointed to the way the crates were arranged, each labeled with clear, systematic markings. "This setup. It's like something out of a military logistics unit. The essentials are all on top and easy to access. Replacement parts for immediate repairs, start up supplies for the initial runs. And then, the deeper we go, the more long-term supplies. Whoever prepared this was falling back on old habits they'd picked up somewhere in their lifetime or were planning for an extended deployment."

Jo's brow furrowed as she considered the implications. "But why here? And who did this? It's almost like they were expecting someone to come along and need these engines."

The group fell silent for a moment, each of them processing the enormity of what they had stumbled upon. The two steam engines were not just relics. They were part of a plan, a carefully preserved piece of a larger strategy that they had only just uncovered.

"We need to clear the building," Harvey said, breaking the silence and pulling everyone back to the task at hand. "No point in getting excited if we can't hold this place. Let's make sure there's nothing lurking in the corners."

The team fanned out, their weapons at the ready, as they methodically checked each corner of the expansive room. Despite the pristine condition of the main hall, there were several heavy doors leading to other areas of the building, their thick steel frames suggesting they secured whatever lay beyond.

"We'll have to come back to these," Xander said, motioning to the doors. "One thing at a time. For now, let's make sure this immediate area is secure."

Satisfied that the main hall was clear, the group regrouped near the engines, their gazes shifting between the massive machines and the meticulously organized supplies.

"Well," Xander said. "It looks like we've got our work cut out for us."

Harvey nodded, a rare glint of optimism in his eyes as he turned to the pair of engineers looking over the locomotives, as proud parents would look at their children. "Can we take both if we can get them running?"

"Most certainly, running an engine like these only takes a handful of people. It's the maintenance that adds up in terms of people hours. It will take us longer to get both of them running, hooked up to the cars we need, and loaded with all theses supplies, but we can definitely can take them both."

The group exchanged looks of cautious hope, their minds already racing with the possibilities. The discovery of the second engine, the wealth of supplies, and the flawless condition of the building all pointed to something greater at play. With the primary building secured, Harvey dispatched a runner to bring back more engineers.

Xander turned to the others. "Let's check those rooms we passed earlier. I don't like the idea of leaving anything unexplored."

The team nodded in agreement, and they retraced their steps. The first few rooms were unremarkable. Storage spaces filled with dusty crates and forgotten tools. But then, they came upon a heavy door that led to a narrow stairway descending into the darkness below. Zoey peered down the stairs and, with a wry grin, quipped, "Why is it always stairs down into the dark? Can't we ever find a brightly lit treasure room at the top of a tower?"

Xander chuckled. "I suppose that would be too easy. The AI engines can't have that. Can they?" he said, gesturing with his spear for the group to proceed cautiously. "Let's see what we're dealing with."

The stairwell was tight, the air growing colder and more oppressive with each step. As they descended, the dim light from the open doorway gradually faded, leaving only the faint glow of their torches to guide them. About halfway down, Jo suddenly stopped, her eyes narrowing at something in the shadows.

"Hold up," she said, kneeling next to what seemed like a crumpled figure.

The others gathered around, their expressions darkening as they realized it was the body of an adventurer. He was an adventurer of some type as he wore dark brown leather armor with an empty sword sheath at his side. This wasn't someone killed in the simulation reboot's opening moments.

"Looks like they've been down here for a while," Ford said, picking up a bag nearby. "All standard stuff. Nothing magical." He sifted through the adventurer's bag, finding some medical supplies, though many had been used. Wrappers and empty packets lay crumpled at the bottom of the bag, evidence of desperate attempts to treat wounds.

"This guy's been dead maybe a week," Ford continued, his tone clinical. "The body's decomposing, but it's still mostly intact. No sign of animal scavenging, and there's still some color in the skin. Whatever happened to him, it wasn't that long ago."

Xander frowned. "And the penny drops. Even money says it's a dungeon."

The group exchanged uneasy glances. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, they confirmed their suspicions. The stairway opened into a large room, the stone walls lined with faded murals depicting scenes of battle and conquest. At the far end of the room stood an ornate set of double doors, their surfaces intricately carved with symbols that none of them recognized.

"This doesn't feel like a coincidence," Jo said w. "First, we find the locomotives perfectly preserved, with all the supplies we need neatly packed and ready to go. Now, we stumble upon a dungeon right underneath the museum?"

"It's too perfect. Somebody knows something we don't." Ford added.

"Whoever set this up must have known someone would come here eventually," Xander said. "But why? And more importantly, what's waiting for us behind those doors? Is it boon or bane?"

"We need to decide if we're going in," Zoey said. "Kane's feeling better, but he's not at full strength. If this really is a dungeon, we'll need him at his best."

Jo glanced at the doors, then back at the group. "We've come this far. We owe it to ourselves to at least look. But we can't be reckless."

Xander considered this, weighing their options, "Agreed. But we're not going in just yet. Let's head back upstairs, regroup with Harvey, and figure out our next move."

The team emerged from the depths of the museum and made their way back to the main group. The warm afternoon light that filtered through the top windows was a stark contrast to the dark, oppressive atmosphere they had just left behind. As they approached Harvey, who was overseeing the initial preparations to get the locomotives operational, Xander wore a grim expression. The new engineers that the runner had brought back were busy taking stock of the equipment and supplies.

"Harvey," Xander called out, drawing the older man's attention. "We've got a problem."

Harvey turned, his sharp eyes immediately catching the tension in Xander's stance. "What did you find?"

"There's a dungeon under the museum," Xander said bluntly. "Stairs leading down to an enormous chamber with ornate doors. There's also a body. Another adventurer. Looks like he's been dead for about a week."

"A dungeon? Here? That's not something we can just ignore." Harvey said, processing the information.

"No, it's not," Xander agreed. "But we've got the locomotives to think about. We could just focus on getting them up and running and get the hell out of here."

Zoey, who had been listening quietly, chimed in. "It's tempting, but we don't know how long we've got before that dungeon becomes a real problem. Dungeons can shift, overflow, and suddenly, we'd be facing a horde of monsters right when we're least prepared."

One engineer that had been with the group when they first entered, approached, wiping his hands on a rag. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but even if we decided to leave right now, it will not happen quickly. Getting both locomotives operational and loaded with supplies… It's going to take at least two days, maybe more."

"Two days?" Harvey repeated. "That could end poorly if that dungeon acts up while we have a bunch of non-combatants in the same building as the entrance trying to get these two locomotives going."

The engineer nodded in agreement. "We need to do this right. Rushing it could lead to mechanical failures on the way back to Starlight, and that's the last thing we need. But we're vulnerable. If monsters pour out of that dungeon, we're in serious trouble."

Xander sighed, glancing around at the group, weighing their options. "If we clear the dungeon, we not only deal with the immediate security threat, but we might find something useful."

Jo crossed her arms, nodding thoughtfully. "Yeah, the locomotives being here, perfectly preserved, along with all those supplies? It feels like there's a bigger picture we're not seeing yet. If there's something valuable down there, it could make an enormous difference for us and for Starlight."

Harvey rubbed his chin, his gaze distant as he considered the arguments. "So, it comes down to this. Do we risk leaving the dungeon unchecked and hope we can get the trains running in time, or do we take the time to clear it out, secure whatever's down there, and give ourselves some breathing room?"

Xander nodded, seeing the logic. "And if we clear it, we don't have to worry about anything coming up behind us. We can work on the locomotives without constantly looking over our shoulders."

Harvey sighed. "Alright. We clear the dungeon. We'll keep a team up here working on the trains, but the rest of us will focus on securing whatever's down there."

"Now the five gold piece question. Which group goes? Yours or mine, Harvey?" Xander started, "This kind of work is more up our alley."

"Yes, but my guys are capable too and you're hamstrung with Kane, still recovering. Me and my boys should take it."

"Jo, Zoey, and I have more dungeon experience. How about we take your tank, but then we compromise and do an even split of loot between the two groups? That way, nobody gets screwed over. Besides, this is about securing our position, not loot whoring." Xander chuckled, trying to find a compromise that Harvey would accept.

"Fine, you're right. But even though this isn't about loot, my team gets first pick!" Harvey gruffed.

"Deal!"

"Let's get prepared," Xander said, his voice carrying a note of finality. "We head back down as soon as we're ready. This dungeon will not clear itself."