AI GAMES

5

As the train clicked and clacked along the endless loop of mysteriously named stations, I and Emily pondered their significance.

"It has to be Earth," Emily speculated, peering at the list they'd made. "Earth is clearly the most important planet out of all of them."

"I'm not so sure," I countered. "To me, these names seem carefully chosen as clues in whatever game or test we've found ourselves in. And if it's a game, the answer may be more complex."

He tapped his finger on four stations that stood out to him: Lunar Lookout, Hubble Haven, Phobos Passage, and Cosmos Circle.

"These ones don't fit the pattern of planets and satellites like the others. I think one of them could be key."

Emily furrowed her brow, unconvinced by I's theorizing. But she continued on eagerly.

"Also think about it - we were given a clue those are games from the start. So if it's testing us, the solution can't be too obvious. It needs to properly filter out who can pass the test."

Emily sighed. "I still say Earth is the answer." She said it lightly.

I laughed. "No amateur sleuth here, I know! But there's only one way to find out..."

The train rolled up to the next station marked Hubble Haven. This was I's chance to test if his hunch held any weight as they raced against the clock of the train's short 5 minute stops.

I had to smile at that, though his gut still told him there was more to these names. Rather than argue further, he decided to test his idea.

"Well, amateur sleuth or not, at the next stop I'm getting off to check out the Hubble station," I said. "It seems less obvious than the Earth stop, so maybe holds more clues."

"Suit yourself," Emily shrugged. "But don't say I didn't warn you that it's just empty platforms of snow out there."

As they pulled into Hubble Haven right on schedule, I tightened his coat.

I took a moment to recover, then explained after a sip of the remaining strong liquor, "I'll let you know what I find. Maybe together we can crack this code!"

After thinking it over, Emily looked at I intently and said, "Makes sense. Should we go together?"

I nodded and then said to Amelia, "You should stay on the train and watch our stuff. If we can't make it back in time, try to talk to the steward, see if you can keep her from closing the door!"

She nodded timidly, "Okay."

Emily gave I a look, then glanced at Amelia, and said, "Are you sure she can handle it?"

I shrugged, "Not sure."

Emily sighed.

But Amelia quietly added, "I'll do my best, don't worry."