HPDBC Chapter 114: A Train away
Chapter 114: A Train away
As General Mattison led Ty out into the open, they were greeted by a breathtaking sight. Before them lay a vast expanse, a sleek black road cutting a straight path through it, disappearing into the horizon.
The road was bordered by fields of lush, vibrant green grass, swaying gently in the breeze, creating a stark contrast against the dark pavement. The air was fresh and invigorating, filled with the scent of the greenery.
Ty couldn't help but turn around, and when he did, his jaw dropped. There stood a colossal structure, imposing and majestic.
It towered at least 40-46 feet tall, its width comparable to four or five football fields laid side by side.
The building's design was a captivating fusion of Earth-like architecture and something uniquely otherworldly.
It was cloaked in a vibrant red, wood-like material, yet its grandeur and scale were beyond anything Ty had seen, even reminiscent of a more grandiose version of America's White House.
Ty's reaction was instinctive, a mix of awe and curiosity. "Woah, why is this such a big building?!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing around them, capturing the sheer wonder he felt.
General Mattison, with a knowing smile, turned to Ty, understanding the awe in his eyes. "It's a multipurpose building," he began, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "This is where the main houses convene for discussions and interventions. It's a crucial hub for our governance and decision-making. But that's not all," he paused, ensuring he had Ty's full attention.
"It also serves as a holding facility for the most dangerous criminals, those who pose a significant risk to our society."
The explanation added layers to Ty's understanding, his eyes scanning the massive structure with newfound respect and a hint of apprehension. The building, a symbol of authority and safety, stood as a testament to the civilization's advanced societal structure.
Ty gazed across the expansive grassy field, his curiosity piqued by the sheer size of the open area. "I suppose that makes sense," he mused, still looking at the large building, "but such a huge opening of grass, you'd think this was a lot of wasted space for other buildings, no?"
General Mattison followed Ty's gaze, understanding his perspective. "I suppose," he replied thoughtfully, "but this area out here serves a much different purpose, mainly for security reasons."
He gave Ty a hint of a smile, adding, "Maybe I'll show you if we get the chance to spar again." There was a playful yet serious undertone in his voice, suggesting that there was more to this vast space than met the eye.
As they spoke, Mattison reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, black square device. With a practiced motion, he pressed a button on its side, causing the device to blink red two or three times. The action was smooth and seemed habitual, indicating the device's regular use in his daily routine.
Ty, caught off guard by this familiar yet unexpected object, couldn't help but express his surprise. "You have a phone?!" he exclaimed, a bit astonished.
As Mattison explained the device's purpose, Ty's surprise turned to intrigue. "A beacon device to call our ride to the 3rd house? Otherwise, it'd take way too much walking to get to the horse stables or even a motor transport," Mattison said, as if this was the most natural thing in the world.
"Let's get a move on. I want to finish up delivering you so I can go get some drinks and find some hot women in the capital. I don't get time here often."
Ty, nodding slightly, couldn't help but think to himself about Mattison's straightforward priorities. "Man sure has his priorities straight.
I bet him and Todd would get along nicely in the long run," he mused silently. Then, a thought crossed his mind, "Then again, where was Todd again?" He was momentarily lost in his thoughts, pondering over Todd's whereabouts.
His reverie was broken by Mattison's voice, turning a giant wheel on the metal door. "I'll lock you out if you don't hurry up, and you won't be my problem!" Mattison warned, half-joking yet firm.
Ty snapped out of his trance, replying with a hint of humor, "I could probably catch up anyways," as he walked into the train. As he stepped inside, he was immediately struck by the astonishing interior.
"Now that I think about it, I've never actually been inside of a train. The last time I saw the inside of one was probably on this show about zombies and people using trains to get away from them," Ty commented, his voice reflecting his awe. The interior was unlike anything he had imagined.
The chrome-like surface of the train's interior gleamed, lined with thousands of blue cords running along the walls.
The seats, designed for luxury, were golden with black accents, each one crafted to offer comfort and a touch of elegance.
The entire setting was a stark contrast to the Metal exterior, showcasing the advanced and luxurious design of this world's transportation.
Mattison, clearly puzzled by Ty's description, asked, "What's a zombie? You sure have a lot of weird terms."
Ty explained, "Oh, well, it's like a human who's dead but then they become undead again and start walking around and what not."
This seemed to intrigue Mattison, who quipped, "So, like what, yourself?"
Ty quickly shook his skeletal skull in response. "No, No, more like if you have a person still having their skin and they lose all thought of themselves. And when they bite someone else, they also become infected, turning into a brainless 'zombie,' bent on just biting and eating people."
At this, Mattison's eyes widened in shock. "And where did this happen?!" he exclaimed, the idea clearly striking a nerve.
Ty, realizing the misunderstanding, quickly clarified, "Oh, it was just a show, but it's a very popular medium where I'm originally from. Scientifically, it's not a possible thing to happen... Well, at least it shouldn't be, but that's funny coming from a talking skeleton."
Mattison still looked a bit horrified, trying to wrap his head around the concept. Ty couldn't help but think to himself, "Out of everything he could be scared of, zombies?" But not a skeleton...