AI GAMES

6

Stepping off into the cold air, I felt hopeful. The Haven platform looked identical to the others, but he remained convinced answers were hidden somewhere on this surreal train.

He turned to Emily with an air of confidence.

"I really think this is the key station," he insisted. "Hubble is the only man-made name on the list - it doesn't fit with the others. That has to be significant given all the other clues pointing to human-made concepts so far."

Emily raised an eyebrow, still unconvinced but curious enough now to join I on the platform. They only had minutes to investigate before the train departed.

They searched every inch of the small station, looking for hidden switches, loose panels, strange markings - anything out of the ordinary. But just as on all the other platforms, there was nothing but a barren shelter, benches, and endless white snowfall.

Five minutes passed rapidly and they reboarded with slumped shoulders.

"Another normal space rock name it is then," Emily said, as I felt his theory losing steam.

As they rode silently for a while, Emily suddenly perked up. "Oh wait, I just remembered - at the next station, Cosmos Circle, there's an actual building you can go in. It's got a lounge and dining hall and everything. That's the only unique spot I've seen so far."

I nodded, intrigued. Perhaps Cosmos Circle held the secrets and way out that they desperately needed. As the train rolled inexorably onward, I felt a spark of hope there might be light beyond this endless loop after all.

The muffled announcement of "Doors are closing" from the train echoed in the background.

19 seconds left. I counted silently, sprinting across the soft snow towards the train doors.

They made it onto the train just as the doors were closing, coming face-to-face with Amelia.

I raised an eyebrow, "What were you doing, clinging to the steward?"

Amelia, her eyes teary, let go of the embarrassed steward, "I-I was trying to keep her from closing the door."

As they walked back to their seats, I responded, "Asking her won't help; she's just a steward, she doesn't control the doors."

Amelia looked bewildered, "But you told me to ask her..."

I chuckled, "Just kidding. You're so gullible, why believe everything you're told?"

Emily coughed a few times, signaling I to mind his manners. Settling back into his seat, I stretched out, welcoming the warmth of the carriage as night fell, and sighed, "Let's analyze this."