Song: link



Song: link


Albuquerque, New Mexicolt. July 19th, 1958

Saten Twist: *Walking towards the Super Chief*
Stallion 16: Here to take this train all the way to Los Angeles?
Saten Twist: *Nods, and climbs into the cab*
Conductor: All aboard!!
Saten Twist: *Blows the horn twice, and makes the train go forward*

Song (Start at 0:08): link

Saten Twist: *Increasing speed as he goes through the desert*
Passengers: *Enjoying the view*

SeanTheHedgehog Presents

A Canada24 Fan Fiction

Warbonnet

Saten Twist: *Passing a green signal*
Freight Pony: *Waving from his diesel*
Saten Twist: *Waves back while blowing his horn twice*
Freight Pony: *Watching the Super Chief roll past while waiting in the siding*
Saten Twist: *Going 65 miles an hour*

Starring Saten Twist from Canada24

Amtrak from SeanTheHedgehog

And featuring new OC's

Jake
Brett
Greg
Tareq

Saten Twist: *Looks at the reader* 12,000 miles of gleaming rails. From Chicagoat to Los Angeles, from San Franciscolt to Houston, the Santa Fe was the epitome of a Class 1 railroad. Long sleek passenger trains. Long freights behind endless diesel units. The warbonnet paint scheme. Vast stretches of open range. Deserts, canyons, and mountains. This was the railroad known as the Santa Fe. This is the story of that vast railroad, which traverses the middle & western part of the United States. A railroad built by dreamers. A railroad with growing pains, and one which survived intact into the 90's. This was a railroad which exceeded even it's dreamers grandiose plans. A railroad which stood as a monument to the Equestrian railroad industry.

Also starring Shining Armor as Hayden

And Louis Dega as Jared

When Saten Twist entered Los Angeles, the sun was setting. Hundreds of ponies were waiting on the station platform for the train to arrive. They wanted to greet their loved ones who traveled west from Chicagoat, and a few other towns.

Saten Twist: *Blows the horn while ringing the bell*
Ponies: *Looking out to the mainline. They see the headlight from Saten Twist's train*
Saten Twist: *Applies the brakes*
Ponies: *Waving at Saten Twist*
Saten Twist: *Waving back*
Passengers: *Waving at the ponies on the platform*
Ponies: *Waving back to the passengers*
Saten Twist: *Stops the train gently next to the station platform*
Santa Fe Pony 59: *Walks over to the train*
Saten Twist: *Climbs out of the cab*
Santa Fe Pony 59: Well done Saten, you're ten minutes ahead of schedule.
Saten Twist: Thank you. Someone has to make sure this train arrives as scheduled.
Santa Fe Pony 59: Be that as it may, I bet you want to go to the bar.
Saten Twist: I must clock out first, then I'll join you.
Santa Fe Pony 59: Wonderful. I'll be waiting for you out at the parking lot.

Song: link

Stallions: *Playing pool*
Santa Fe Pony 59: *Walks in with Saten Twist* Look who's back everypony!
Stallions: Saten Twist!!
Saten Twist: *Sits down at the bar* Hey fellas.
Bartender: Hi Saten. *Gives him a glass of beer* The usual, just for you. You've got my wife to that business meeting in Flagstaff in time like you promised, so this is on the house.
Saten Twist: Thanks. *Gives him a quarter* Say hi to everyone else in the family for me.
Bartender: Will do.
Greg: *Walks over from a table* Hey, Saten. How was your run from Albuquerque?
Saten Twist: Wonderful, as usual.
Greg: Good to hear. We got a new pony joining us tomorrow. You're gonna want to avoid him as much as possible.
Saten Twist: How come?
Greg: *Watches a red stallion with buck teeth walking towards them* You'll see.
Jake: *Arrives* Hey guys. My name's Jake, and I'm a nerd.
Saten Twist: You don't say.
Jake: Did you know that our railroad has been using diesels since 1936? We've made a very quick transition, wouldn't you say? Also, the Super Chief has been running since May, 1937.
Saten Twist: Buddy, I'm gonna ask you to go somewhere else.
Jake: You're right. My knowledge must be shared with everypony in this bar. *Goes to a table*
Saten Twist: ...sure....
Greg: How did he even get this job in the first place?
Saten Twist: Probably bored the boss to death.
Jake: *Standing next to two stallions* Ah, I see you work for the Union Pacific. Did you know that it was first created in 1863, and was one of two railroads to create the Transcontinental Railroad?
U.P Pony: Get the fuck out of here!
Jake: *Sadly walks back to Saten Twist*
Saten Twist: It's time for me to get going. See you later Greg.
Greg: Goodnight Saten.
Saten Twist: *Leaves the bar*
Jake: Will you stay with me?
Greg: I gotta get going too. I need as much sleep as possible for tomorrow. *Walks away*
Jake: *Looks at the bartender* Can you get me a glass of water?
Bartender: We only serve alcohol mack.
Jake: Darn.

Saten Twist was assigned to teach Jake how to drive passenger trains. He was waiting on the platform, and the Super Chief was due to leave in five minutes.

Saten Twist: *Sitting on a bench, watching a switcher push five diesels onto the Super Chief* There's my power for the train. Now where is that pony with the glasses?
Jake: *Arrives, feeling very happy*
Saten Twist: Alright, you made it.
Jake: Hey. My name's Jake, and I'm a nerd.
Saten Twist: We met yesterday at the bar. I remember your name.
Jake: Well there's a first.
Saten Twist: Follow me. *Walks to the diesels*
Jake: *Following Saten Twist*
Santa Fe Pony 83: *Climbs down from the cab*
Saten Twist: How is everything?
Santa Fe Pony 83: Good. You'll have no trouble reaching Albuquerque.
Saten Twist: Good job.
Santa Fe Pony 83: Thanks.
Saten Twist: *Climbs into the cab with Jake*
Jake: All we have to do now is wait for the conductor. We're not allowed to leave until he gives us the signal.
Saten Twist: Shouldn't I be telling you this stuff?
Jake: Did you forget that I'm a nerd? I know everything. I've come prepared.
Saten Twist: There's no way you know everything.
Jake: Try me.
Saten Twist: Who attacked Pearl Harbor, and on what date?
Jake: The Japanese on December 7, 1941.
Saten Twist: Which pony went against Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 1953 Presidential Election?
Jake: Adlai Stevenson.
Saten Twist: Name three railroads other than the Pennsylneighnia Railroad which runs through Fillydelphia.
Jake: The Reading, Baltimare & Ohio, and the...Central Railroad of Neigh Jersey?
Saten Twist: The Jersey Central does not run through Fillydelphia.
Conductor: All aboard.
Jake: *Blows the horn twice*
Saten Twist: Hey, you let me do the work! *Rings the bell, and drives the train* You're suppose to sit, and watch.

Jake was not happy with these instructions. Upon entering Flagstaff, when Saten stopped the train to let passengers off, Jake decided to speak again.

Jake: Do you know what type of diesel this is?
Saten Twist: An F7.
Jake: Did you know they're no longer in production? EMD stopped building them in 1953.
Saten Twist: I already knew that Jake.
Conductor: All aboard!
Saten Twist: And that was quick. *Blows the horn twice, and drives the train while ringing the bell*
Jake: Did you ever get a chance to drive any of the steam locomotives?
Saten Twist: I did not. I first started work here two years ago after my training. Since I always drive the Super Chief, I've only been driving diesels.
Jake: What do you know about our steam locomotives?
Saten Twist: If you promise to stay quiet until we reach Albuquerque, I'll tell you.
Jake: *Nods*

Song (Start at 0:31): link

Saten Twist: By the end of World War 1, and after control by the United States Railway Administration, the Santa Fe began it's own development of steam locomotives. For 30 years, the Santa Fe set new standards for design of steam, but by 1957, diesel power took over all parts of the railroad. After 1950, both EMD and Alco developed General Purpose diesels which could be used in switching as well as for mainline duties. Chicagoat was the eastern terminal for the Santa Fe, and by 1954, train action around Dearborn Street Station was still a beehive of activity.
Jake: Was that where you started training?
Saten Twist: I was a photographer, two years before I started training.
Jake: Right. You said you started training in 1956.
Saten Twist: There were still a few railroads which held onto steam until the middle to late 50's, and the Grand Trunk was one of them.
Jake: You make the story sound like it takes place in the future. The 50's aren't over yet.
Saten Twist: *Blushing* I guess I just got lost in the moment. I would also like to work in movies. Until then, I'm staying on this railroad.

The song fades away once they reach Albuquerque.

Saten Twist: *Applying the brakes* Watch me butter the bread.
Jake: But we're not in an airplane.
Saten Twist: Lighten up.

The train came to a complete stop.

Jake: I guess we're done for today. What do you want to do now?
Saten Twist: I'm going home.
Jake: You don't live in Los Angeles?
Saten Twist: Nope. I spend some time with my friends in the bar, then chill with a friend of mine at his house. He works for The Southern Pacific.
Jake: Ah. Well, I'm going to a hotel. See you tomorrow.
Saten Twist: I have the day off. You will be working with another pony tomorrow. I believe his name is Tareq. He'll show you how to drive freight trains. They're a little bit tougher than passenger trains, so good luck.
Jake: Thanks.

After that, both ponies went on their separate ways.

The next day, Jake went back to the train station in Albuquerque. Tareq was waiting.

Jake: Hey. My name's Jake, and I'm a nerd.
Tareq: Oh no.
Jake: Did you know that the Santa Fe was first created in 1859? We've been around for nearly 100 years.
Tareq: Buddy, I'm gonna ask you to shut up. We have a freight train that needs to head into Chicagoat. We're gonna go as far as La Junta in Coltorado. Once we get there, we'll come back on another freight. Are you ready?
Jake: Sure. *Climbs on board with Tareq*

They quickly started their journey north.

Jake: Do you know why our freight engines are painted in yellow and blue?
Tareq: To make it different from the passenger engines?
Jake: Exactly.
Tareq: ...I'm not even going to say anything. *Sees a railroad crossing*
Jake: *Blows the horn*
Tareq: Let me do that. When you drive, you can blow the horn. *Blows the horn*
Jake: *Pouting*
Tareq: *Rings the bell, and blows the horn two more times*
Jake: I thought you guys would be impressed with my knowledge.
Tareq: You want my personal advice? Act normal. You will go through the training exercises just like every other pony. It doesn't matter if you know more than us. We show you these things so you don't screw up.
Jake: But I already know everything you're showing me.
Tareq: You want to know what happened to the last pony who said that?
Jake: What?
Tareq: It was 1955. A young stallion was driving a train called The Alicornia Fast Mail, bound for San Franciscolt. He was a spitting image of you. At least, on the outside he was. Though he said and acted like he knew everything, he forgot to stop at a red signal. Maintenance ponies were fixing the track up ahead, but that young stallion charged towards them, derailed the train, then he crashed and died.
Jake: *Gasps*
Tareq: I should know. I saw him while I was waiting on another track nearby. Taught him the same things I'm teaching you now on this very train.
Jake: I'll be more tolerant of your teachings.
Tareq: Thanks John.
Jake: *Extremely angry, his cheeks turn redder* It's Jake!
Tareq: *Glaring at Jake, watching the nerdy stallion calm down*

Both stallions were quiet during the rest of the trip to La Junta. To the right of the train, Jake saw something. There were a few trees in the way, but Jake instantly knew what it was.

Jake: How long has that steam engine been on display?
Tareq: Just a few years. She was taken out of service in '53.
Jake: You think it'll ever get a chance to run again?
Tareq: You can dream all you want.
Jake: I'm gonna save up my money, and start a special railroad that only uses steam engines.
Tareq: I bet the mares will really love you for that.

They stopped next to another freight train.

Tareq: Alright, let's go. *Gets out with Jake*

Two other stallions came from Dodge City in Kansas. They would exchange trains so they could head back to their homes.

Tareq: Alright Jake, this is where you drive. *Climbs into the cab with Jake* Show me what you got.
Jake: *Very happy as he blows the horn twice. He rings the bell while making the train go forward*
Tareq: Good. Take us back to New Mexicolt.

Song: link

Saten: *Enjoying music on his record player while sitting in his couch, and drinking a glass of water* This is how you enjoy a summer morning. *Hears a doorbell, and walks to his door*
Tareq: *Watches Saten open the door* Hi Saten. I would have called but my line's down. Can I hang out with you?
Saten: Come on inside.
Tareq: *Closes the door* Buddy Holly. Good choice.
Saten: I just bought it a few days ago. How did your run with Jake go yesterday?
Tareq: Not bad. I actually got him to sit down, and shut up.
Saten: Thank god! How did he react?
Tareq: He stayed silent once I told him about that pony I saw in '55, who wrecked his mail train.
Saten: I wish I could have seen that, just to make him quiet.
Tareq: You can do that if you pronounce his name wrong. It gets funny too, because you can see him get angry.
Saten: He gets angry?
Tareq: I called him John. He did not like that one bit.
Saten: Hm. I'll remember that, and spread the word to the others in L.A.

Half an hour later, Saten and Tareq walked to the station.

Tareq: I gotta cover somepony in San Franciscolt so I'm gonna be one of your passengers today.
Saten: You know I have to go to L.A. You'll reach San Franciscolt later than scheduled.
Tareq: No I won't. They ordered me to get on your train.
Engineer: *Blows the horn as he drives The Super Chief. He gently brings the train to a complete stop*
Jake: *Walking towards the two stallions*
Tareq: Oh christ, I'm gonna get on board before he does anything. Good luck. *Runs onto the passenger train*
Saten: *Watches the engineer climb from the cab*
Engineer: Hello Mr. Twist. Have a good run to Los Angeles.
Saten: *Nods*
Jake: Hi Saten. Let's go back to The City Of Angels.
Saten: Of course John.
Jake: *Gets very angry* It's Jake!
Saten: I thought you told me it was John.
Jake: *Calming down* I'm sorry. It's Jake.
Saten: Let's get on board. *Climbs into the cab with Jake*

Most of the trip was silent. By the time they entered the state of Alicornia, Jake started a conversation.

Jake: I thought you said you remembered my name.
Saten: Hey, nopony is as perfect as you. What are you, part British, or something?
Jake: I'll take that as a compliment. My family is actually 100% Equestrian.
Saten: No kidding. Your relatives have lived in this country forever, huh?
Jake: You know it.

20 minutes later, they stopped in LAUPT.

Jake: *Takes a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air* Nothing like driving the greatest passenger train in all of Equestria.
Saten: What worries me are the airlines. Railroads in the east coast aren't doing so well because of them.
Jake: What are you talking about?
Saten: You didn't hear? Fewer ponies are travelling by train. You know what happened to the Neigh York Central's 20th Century Limited?
Jake: Uh-uh.
Saten: It got downgraded. There's more station stops, and no first class service.
Jake: Will that happen to us?
Saten Twist: As much as I want to say no, I wouldn't be surprised if that were the truth. Keep doing what you're doing, and maybe we'll have a chance.

Song (Start at 0:15): link

Los Angeles, 1961

Mares: *Dancing with Stallions*
Saten: *Walks into the bar*
Ponies: Saten!!
Saten: *Smiles at everyone* Good evening everyone.
Bartender: What's your pleasure buddy?
Saten: I think I'll go for the usual.
Bartender: You got it.
Saten: Why didn't your wife ride the train yesterday? I didn't see her get off at Flagstaff.
Bartender: Promotion. She now has to fly to Portland.
Saten: Ah. *Gives the bartender a quarter, and a dime*

Jake walked in, followed by Greg, and Jared.

Saten: Hey speaking of Portland, look who decided to come for a visit.
Greg: *Turns around* Jared! *Gives him a hoofbump*
Jake: *Looks at Jared* Hey. My name's Jake, and I'm a nerd. Are you a nerd too?
Jared: What? Because I wear the glasses?
Greg: Jake, get lost. Go talk to someone else. *Walks with Jared to the bar. They sit next to Saten Twist*
Saten: Still working on the Northern Pacific?
Jared: I am. How's the Santa Fe treating you?
Saten: Good.
Greg: Aside from Jake, everything is going well.
Saten: I learned something from Tareq. If you call him John, he gets so angry that his face turns a darker shade of red.
Greg: *Laughing* Oh my god. I gotta see that.

Another pony walked into the bar. It was Hayden. Jake went right up to him, and said....

Jake: Hey. My name's Jake, and I'm a nerd.
Hayden: No one cares.
Jake: Everyone should care. You need to acquire my knowledge.
Hayden: I don't need shit from you dork! Get out of my way!
Saten: *Turns around* Oh jesus. *Walks over to Hayden* Did you finally lose your job on the Rio Grande?
Hayden: You're a douchebag! If your railroad had any brains up in the high spot, you'd have more ponies like me!
Saten: Our railroad is actually trying to make money.
Hayden: We don't need to try. That's how better we are.
Jake: Hey, stop bullying our railroad.
Hayden: Are you kidding me with this right now? *Pushes Jake into a table*
Saten: Only I can do that to him you bastard. *Punches Hayden*
Greg: I don't believe this, he's actually standing up against Hayden. *Runs to help Saten*
Jared: Who's Hayden? *Follows Greg*

The music got louder as the stallions continued to fight. Some random ponies that had nothing to do with railroads also got involved, just because they thought it was a good idea.

Stallion 82: *Punches a mare*
Jared: *Punches Hayden*
Saten: *Hits Jake with a chair*
Jake: What the hell? We're on the same side.
Saten: Lecture me later, we gotta get you out of here! *Runs outside with Greg, Jared, and Jake*

The song can still be heard in the distance as the ponies walk through an alleyway. The sidewalk is a short distance.

Jake: Wow, that was exciting.
Saten: You're welcome.
Greg: What did you say to Hayden?
Jared: Who's Hayden?
Jake: I told him everything that I usually say to you guys.
Saten: Bullshit, you said something else. What the hell did you do?
Jake: Well, he said that he didn't care about me being a nerd. So I said that he should care, because he needs to acquire my knowledge.
Greg: That'll do it.
Jared: Guys, I guess you didn't hear me earlier, but who's Hayden?
Saten: A hot head who works for the Rio Grande. Sometimes he helps out on the Southern Pacific, because they're short on employees.
Jared: What happened to that brown mare with the green scarf?
Saten: *Sighs* Suicide.
Jared: *Stops walking* No!
Saten: Sorry dude. She jumped off of the Golden Neigh Bridge when the last steam engine was taken out of service. It all started when they scrapped the pacific she used constantly on her passenger trains.
Greg: We didn't find out about it until last year.
Jared: I definitely like her better than Hayden.
Saten: Even though you can't remember her name.
Jared: Neither can you guys.

The three stallions laughed, and continued to walk. Jake silently followed, but he began another conversation.

Jake: Dieselization really is bad if it causes somepony to kill herself.
Saten: Oh yeah, Jake said he wants to start a railroad that only runs steam engines.
Greg: Good luck with that John.
Jake: *Gets very angry* It's Jake!!
Greg: *Looks at his face turning red, and laughs* You weren't lying, his face does turn into a darker shade.
Jake: You're doing this on purpose!
Saten: Hey, everypony needs to have fun in their life.
Jared: Speaking of fun, what do you want to do now?
Saten: Not get into another fight in a bar.
Greg: *Laughing*

Saten Twist was called into his manager's office, just outside of Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal. He was sitting in the hallway, waiting to go inside.

Greg: *Arrives with Jake*
Saten: You got called here too, huh?
Greg: Now I know what this is about.
Jake: It's because we got in a fight at the bar yesterday. I technically shouldn't be here since I did not engage in any hostile activity.
Saten: You still started the fight.
Manager: *Opens the door* Come in gentlemen.

The four stallions continued the conversation in the office.

Manager: Fighting another pony in a bar. Really?
Jake: Technically I didn't take part in the fight, so I shouldn't be here.
Saten: Shut up. If you just ignored Hayden, this wouldn't have happened.
Manager: And if you two didn't punch Hayden, I wouldn't be talking to you in this very building. I am disappointed with all three of you. If this happens again, you'll be suspended without pay for a whole month.
Jake: We're not getting punished. Thank you.
Manager: Saten Twist, and Greg are not getting punished. I don't like you Jake. You're too much of a know it all. If you weren't so good at your job, I would have you fired. Next time you do something wrong, you'll be looking for another job. You stay, while Saten & Greg get to work.
Saten: *Leaves with Greg*
Jake: What am I getting punished with?

On the station platform, Saten Twist and Greg were walking towards The Super Chief.

Greg: When I get back from El Paso, I'll buy the drinks.
Saten: See you then.
Greg: *Walks away*
Jake: *Arrives, looking very angry*
Saten: What's wrong with you?
Jake: I've been demoted.
Saten: To what?
Jake: A porter. I gotta check the luggage at this station for two weeks.
Saten: If you were normal like the rest of us, you could still be an engineer.
Jake: I am normal. I just happen to have more intelligence.
Saten: That's my point. Your intelligence is annoying everypony. Nobody cares about everything you know. They're just trying to have fun, and enjoy their day. Last thing they need is a weirdo with glasses trying to cram random facts down their throats.
Jake: Is that really what you think about me?
Saten: For the time being. When I come back from New Mexicolt, I hope you'll tone down your brain power. *Walks towards the diesels on the front of the train*
Jake: *Watching Saten Twist walk away. Feeling very sad, he decides to leave the station*

Saten Twist left the station in the Super Chief. As he drove the train away from Los Angeles, Jake started having second thoughts about his job.

Jake: *Sitting on a bench, looking down at the ground*
Stallion 22: *Arrives* We need you to get ready for the El Capitan.
Jake: Can I drive the train?
Stallion 22: You need to check the baggage.
Jake: Then I quit. *Walks away*
Stallion 22: Have fun looking for another job. You'll never get hired anywhere else.
Jake: We'll see about that.

Jake made a call to the Southern Pacific.

Jake: I heard you're looking for a new engineer.
Southern Pacific Pony: Yes sir, we've been short for a few months. What's your name?
Jake: Jake Moritz.

A dramatic horn was playing music in the background.

Southern Pacific Pony: *Sweating* Please excuse me while I put you on hold.
Jake: *Waiting*
Southern Pacific Pony: *Runs to Stallion 99* Sir, we got a problem.
Stallion 99: What is it?
Southern Pacific Pony: That pony from the Santa Fe called. The one they call a nerd.
Stallion 99: Oh fuck! Hang up immediately!
Southern Pacific Pony: *Runs back to her phone, and hangs up*
Jake: Let's try that again. *Calls the Southern Pacific*
Southern Pacific Pony: *Hears her phone ring, and picks it up* Hello?
Jake: Hi, it's Jake.
Southern Pacific Pony: We don't want you! *Hangs up*
Jake: What the hell? *Thinking* Saten Twist owes me an apology.

When Saten Twist returned to Los Angeles in the Super Chief, he saw Jake looking at him.

Jake: *Angry*
Saten: *Sweating* Why is he giving me that look? *Stops the train*
Jake: *Tapping his left front hoof on the ground, waiting for Saten Twist*
Saten: *Climbs down from the engine's cab* Why are you angry at me?
Jake: You owe me an apology for the way you talked to me yesterday.
Saten: John-
Jake: IT'S JAKE!!!!
Saten: Why are you getting angry at me all of a sudden?
Jake: Your lecture towards me made me lose my job, and now I can't find work anywhere else.
Saten: You quit?
Jake: Yeah. I'm still waiting for you to apologize.
Saten: It's not my fault you quit. I told you to be more normal, and you're becoming very immature. Nopony cares about how smart you are.
Jake: Well they should. *Walking towards the train* If you won't let me drive trains, I'll start my own railroad.

Jake tried climbing into the cab, but he tripped at the end of the platform, and fell onto the train. The red stallion broke his neck.

20 minutes later

Greg: *Watching Jake get placed into a Hearse* Now you owe me a big favor, because I wanted to see this glorious moment for myself.
Saten: I'll admit, he was annoying, but he definitely didn't deserve death.
Greg: Who do you think is going to take his place?
Saten: I guess the boss will tell us tomorrow. Let's head to the bar, and grab a drink.
Greg: I'm not done with my shift yet.
Saten: You will head to the bar later though, right?
Greg: Sure.
Saten: I'll wait for you. Come to my place, and we'll head down there together.

Song: link

Greg & Saten Twist started drinking at the bar. They were still thinking about Jake.

Saten: What do you think Tareq will say when he finds out about his death?
Greg: He'll be just like me. He'd want to see his death.
Saten: *Drinks his beer* You really didn't like him, did you?
Greg: Nope.
Tareq: *Walks into the bar*
Saten: *Chuckles* Good timing. We were just talking about you.
Tareq: I've been transferred to take over for Jake until a new pony gets hired.
Greg: You heard about his death.
Tareq: Yeah. How did it happen?
Saten: *Sighs* Do you really want to know?
Tareq: Yes.
Saten: Fine. He tripped, landed hard on the side of my train, and broke his neck.
Tareq: Damn. With the attitude he kept giving everyone about his intelligence, you'd think he would be more careful.
Greg: Well, at least we'll be driving freight trains together.
Tareq: For now. I've been told I'll be driving passenger trains.
Saten: With me?
Tareq: No. I'm driving a different train called The Scout. It does follow the same route.
Saten: Ah.

Later that night at Greg's house.

Greg: *With Saten, and Tareq* You know why he wasn't allowed to drive trains anymore?
Tareq: Why?
Saten: He started a fight with Hayden.
Tareq: Oh no.
Saten: He kept repeating to the boss, I didn't do anything, I shouldn't be here.
Greg: But he got demoted to a porter, and quit in a fit of rage.
Saten: Jared was also with us. How much longer is he staying here until moving back up to Portland?
Greg: The day after tomorrow I believe. He's taking The Cascade at 11 AM.
Saten: Too bad our railroad doesn't go that far north.
Greg: Why are you asking about Jared?
Saten: Perhaps he can help us. Not now, but later in the future.

Song: link

Los Angeles, 1964

Jared: *In the bar with Saten & Tareq*
Saten: Well, thanks for a year of covering for a dead nerd.
Jared: I heard Hayden gave you a hard time for the first two years.
Tareq: We got a new pony starting after you leave tomorrow. His name's Brett.
Jared: Have you met him yet?
Saten: Nope.
Jared: Let me know what he's like when you do meet him.
Tareq: Sure.
Saten: Right now, you deserve a toast.

When the three stallions received their beers, they hit the glasses together, and enjoyed their drinks.

Next morning, Saten met Brett. They would be working together on the Super Chief.

Brett: Hey, the boss says we're going to Albuquerque.
Saten: Yep. A crew change will allow us to take the westbound Super Chief back to L.A from Albuquerque. While we're waiting for our train, tell me about yourself.
Brett: I was born in Boston, and moved out here two months ago after completing training.
Saten: Well done. You won't have to worry about anymore cold weather now that you're out here.
Brett: I only moved out here to work on the finest railroad in Equestria.

The train slowly pulled into the station. Saten Twist got into the engine with Brett.

Saten: You have fine taste my friend. We're gonna get along just fine. *Climbs into the cab*
Brett: *Following Saten*

When they got close to Albuquerque, Saten continued talking to Brett.

Saten: Is this the very first train you're driving?
Brett: Technically, I'm not driving, but I have done a couple of practice runs on the New Haven.
Saten: What part?
Brett: The Northeast Corridor from Boston, to New Haven.
Saten: They got the fastest trains in all of Equestria out on the Corridor.
Brett: The Pennsy has plans to get newer passenger equipment. They're trying to get something faster than the French trains.
Saten: I oughta look into that.

They stopped at Albuquerque, but on the return trip to Los Angeles, the two stallions didn't have much to say. However, they enjoyed each other's company, and were looking forward to working with each other again.

Brett: I hope I get to work with you again.
Saten: *Stops the Super Chief at LAUPT* I agree, you're a good pony. *Gets out of the cab*
Brett: *Follows*
Saten: Why don't you meet some of my friends at the bar?

Song: link

Saten drove a brand new Dodge Dart to the bar, with Brett riding shotgun.

Saten: Here we are. *Gets out, and walks to the bar*
Brett: *Follows Saten*
Tareq: *Sitting with Greg*
Saten: *Enters the bar* Fellas, our new pony is here.
Brett: *Waves* Hello.
Ponies: Hi Brett.
Greg: Take a seat with us buddy.
Saten & Brett: *Sit next to Greg*
Bartender: I'll get you your usual Saten, but what would you like Brett?
Brett: You got any soda? I'm not really into alcohol.
Bartender: How about a root beer? It's like regular beer, but better.
Brett: *Chuckles* One root beer then.
Bartender: I like your friend Saten. Is he working with you on the Santa Fe?
Saten: Yes he is.
Greg: Did you work with Saten Twist on the Super Chief?
Brett: I did. We had a nice run into New Mexicolt.
Tareq: You wanna drive freight trains anytime soon?
Brett: Maybe?
Saten: *Laughs as he drinks his beer*

Early next morning, Brett was told to see the manager.

Brett: *Sitting in the manager's office*
Manager: You're doing a fine job with Saten on the Super Chief. Now you must drive a freight train to Santa Fe.
Brett: What am I using?
Manager: An RSD-15, and two Geeps. Tareq will be working with you.
Brett: Good. I like Tareq. Anything else you need before I head out?
Manager: No. Good luck.
Brett: Thank you sir. *Leaves the office*

Brett met Tareq who was waiting for him in the train.

Brett: *Climbs into the RSD-15*
Tareq: So, it looks like you're driving a freight train after all.
Brett: Just following orders.
Conductor: *Talking on a radio* We're all set back here, do we have a green signal yet?
Tareq: *Replies while looking at the signal* We do now. *Blows the horn twice, and rings the bell while driving the train*
Brett: I was wondering how long it would take for trains to have radios.
Tareq: *Chuckles* Way too long if you ask me.

Tareq, and Brett made excellent time on their journey to Santa Fe. They had to stop at Flagstaff to drop off a few freight cars.

Tareq: Wanna call the conductor for me?
Brett: Sure. *Picks up the receiver* We're approaching Flagstaff. Tareq's gonna apply the brakes so we can make our first stop, and drop off those boxcars.
Conductor: I copy.
Tareq: *Struggling with the brakes*
Brett: Is something wrong?
Tareq: The brakes aren't responding!
Brett: *Talks to the conductor* We got a problem! Tareq can't apply the brakes!
Conductor: Dammit! The yardmaster said it was working fine!
Tareq: *Looking at the speedometer* We're going too fast.
Brett: Don't tell me we're going to derail!
Tareq: *Looks at the signal* It's yellow, but once we finish going down this hill, we'll be going up another one.
Conductor: Tareq, I've applied the hoof brakes on the caboose! Once we start going uphill, I'll jump out and apply the hoof brakes on the freight cars.
Tareq: Okay. I'll have Brett do the same thing with the locomotives.
Brett: *Nods, and heads out on the walkway*

With a .3 percent grade, Brett and the conductor had to run quickly to apply as many hoof brakes as they could.

Conductor: *Moving the brake on a boxcar*
Brett: *Applying the hoof brakes on the RSD-15*
Tareq: *Watching the speed decrease*

As the train slowed down to 3 miles an hour, Brett and the conductor got enough brakes to make the train come to a complete stop.

Conductor: *Looks back at his caboose* We're not rolling backwards. We're okay! *Laughs while dancing on top of a hopper*
Brett: *Runs back to Tareq* We're okay, let's get a maintenance crew out here.

Song: link

Saten Twist is the narrator

Narrator: Brett was very lucky to avoid derailing his freight. Although the accident was not his fault, he was placed back on the Super Chief with me. Despite the decrease of passengers on Equestrian Railroads, The Super Chief got off lucky. It was one of very few passenger trains that made a sufficient profit, not just on the Santa Fe, but throughout the entire country, along with Pennsylneighnia's Broadway Limited. Due to the drastic lack of passengers, Congress decided to create a new railroad called Amtrak, which would improve passenger service. This all began on May 1, 1971. Most railroads were relieved to sell their passenger equipment, and regain lost profits, but the Santa Fe made things more complicated than they should've been.
Manager: *Looking at Amtrak* Here's how this is gonna work. You're going to lease our engines, and you can only use our passenger cars. You cannot use equipment from other railroads to run the Super Chief, no matter how better it is compared to ours. Right. What do you have to say?
Amtrak: Nothing. *Walks out of the office*
Narrator: A few of our employees left to work on Amtrak, including Brett. I stayed, and started driving freight trains with Tareq. Amtrak was not happy with the unreliable equipment they were forced to use. Within a couple of years, they bought new engines to replace the weary F-units, but by 1974, another conflict arrived.
Amtrak: *Walks into the office* What do you want?
Manager: Your level of service is dropping.
Amtrak: Well, maybe if you gave our trains the right of way instead of making them wait in a siding for half an hour, we could stay with the schedule.
Manager: That's no excuse. Your train can't be called the Super Chief anymore.
Amtrak: Whatever. That's a dumb name anyway. *Walks out of the office*
Manager: *Throws a glass at the wall*
Amtrak: *Stops, and turns around*
Manager: We're not playing games pal!
Amtrak: You should know that making a passenger train wait for a freight is against Federal Law!
Manager: GET OUT!
Narrator: Despite the numerous fines given to Santa Fe by the government, our railroad kept making more and more money. We got even more financial success from operating the Joint Line with the Burlington Northern, and the Rio Grande. Jared was with the BN, since the Northern Pacific merged with the Great Northern, The Burlington Route, and the Spokane Portland & Seattle to create BN. We had to put up with Hayden more often since he continued work on the Rio Grande, but he was fired in 1975 for exceeding the speed limit too often with his trains. Back to the Super Chief. Amtrak renamed it The Southwest Limited since Santa Fe wouldn't let them call it the Super Chief.

1980

Saten: *Sees Brett at the station in La Junta* Hey buddy.
Brett: Hi Saten.
Saten: We got a new manager. I think things will go more smoothly for your railroad now that we have someone who actually knows who gets the right of way.
Brett: *Hoofbumps Saten* Awesome. Catch ya later.
Narrator: Our new manager gave Amtrak trains the right of way, and with newer diesels, and newer passenger cars, the service got much better.

1984

New Manager: *Sees Amtrak walk into his office* How ya doing buddy?
Amtrak: *Sits down at the desk* Fine.
New Manager: Would you like anything to drink?
Amtrak: No thanks.
New Manager: We see you have new equipment.
Amtrak: Yes sir.
New Manager: It looks nice. Your passengers seem pleased with it.
Amtrak: Thanks.
New Manager: You can call the Southwest Limited the Super Chief again if you'd like.
Amtrak: Hmm. How about the Southwest Chief?
New Manager: Even better. Keep up the good work out there.
Amtrak: Will do. *Walks out of the office*
Narrator: Eleven years later, the Santa Fe and Burlington Northern merged to created Burlington Northern Santa Fe, or BNSF for short. Jared passed away two days after the merger, while I stayed for another year before retiring in December of 1996.

The song fades away as an old Saten Twist walks onto his back patio, and looks at a sunset.

Narrator: As I watch the sunset behind my house in La Junta, I keep thinking about all I went through. From a nerdy pony who wanted to run a railroad that only used steam engines, to having our passenger trains taken over by Amtrak, I would do anything to go back in time, and start all over again.

Song (Start at 1:34): link

The sunset fades to black as the end credits begin

Cast

Saten Twist from Canada24
Greg from SeanTheHedgehog
Tareq from SeanTheHedgehog
Jake from SeanTheHedgehog
Shining Armor as Hayden
STH's Louis Dega as Jared
Amtrak from SeanTheHedgehog

Soundtrack

Brian Bennett - Megapower
Dion & The Belmonts - I Wonder Why
Buddy Holly - Not Fade Away
Kokomo - Asia Minor
Elvis Presley - G. I. Blues
Elvis Presley - Return To Sender
The Silhouettes - Get A Job
Led Zeppelin - Kashmir

The End

SeanTheHedgehog & Canada24. Copyright, 2019

Song: link