The once abandoned train museum, now a hive of activity, seemed a world apart from the dungeon's death-filled, echoing halls. Workers loaded supplies onto the trains, which now stood ready on the tracks. Xander and his team had been gone for two days, but the amount of work the engineering team had accomplished while they were gone was no small feat. The passenger cars were lit up with a new purpose, boxcars and flatbeds loaded with crates, while a steam-powered breakdown crane loomed imposingly at the head of one engine.

As Xander's party emerged from the shadows of the dungeon entrance, all eyes turned to them. But it wasn't the familiar faces of the returning group that held their attention. No, it was Thalindra.

Her towering figure drew gasps and whispers from the gathered crowd, along with more than one drawn sword. At seven and a half feet tall, with deep black skin that almost seemed to absorb the light and horns that curved gracefully from her brow, she was a sight out of legend or nightmare, depending on who you asked. The instant tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife as the usual train yard noise died down to an uneasy silence. It reminded Xander of the western movie where the hero enters a new saloon and all the music and conversation stops to focus on the newcomer.

Harvey was the first to step forward. His usual stern expression faltered as he took in the sight of Thalindra. "What in the world...?" His voice trailed off, eyes wide with disbelief. "Uh, Xander?"

Xander, sensing the unease, stepped between Thalindra and the crowd, addressing Harvey directly. "We have much to discuss, Harvey. What happened down there... it's not something we can talk about out here. We need privacy."

Harvey's gaze flicked back to Thalindra, "I'm assuming this has something to do with the three world notifications the Simulation sent while you were down there?" His tone was tight, trying to mask the rising apprehension in his chest.

Xander nodded grimly. "It's all connected, but it's not safe to talk about it out here."

Harvey tore his eyes away from Thalindra and gestured towards one of the makeshift offices someone had set up near the museum's entrance. "We can talk in there. The rest of you," he addressed the crowd, "get back to work. There's nothing to see here. Go get your goth muscle mommy fetish fix someplace else."

The crowd dispersed reluctantly, their curious gazes lingering on Thalindra as they returned to their tasks. Xander nodded to his party, motioning for Thalindra to follow. The Valdren hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting Xander's with a mixture of wariness and resolve. He gave her a reassuring smile before leading the way towards the office.

The temporary office set up in the museum was anything but impressive. The small room, barely larger than a supply closet, contained makeshift furniture that looked scavenged from a dozen different places. One wall held stacks of crates, while someone pinned a large regional map to another, marking it with notes and pins.

Thalindra ducked under the low doorway as she entered, her horns narrowly clearing the frame. Xander stepped in behind her, his spear tapping lightly against the threshold. Harvey crossed the cramped room quickly and pulled a rolled-up map from a pile of papers. Despite the tension in the air, he looked up with a quick grin as he unrolled the map onto the table, the lines of worry briefly smoothing from his face.

"Looks like you've got a lot to catch me up on," Harvey said, his voice casual but with an underlying relief. "Tell you what, though. I'm glad you're back. I was getting worried. Thought I was going to have to send out a search party."

Xander chuckled, though the sound was hollow. "Wouldn't want you to worry about me, old man. Got enough on your plate as it is."

Harvey motioned for Xander to sit. "So, how'd it go in the dungeon?."

Xander leaned back in the rickety chair, folding his arms over his chest. "Yeah, it was mechanical, like we thought. But the place was crawling with undead. The last two bosses were undead officers. Nasty pieces of work, too. Taking them down triggered a world notification. Apparently, it weakened the undead forces in the area."

Harvey nodded, listening intently. "Good news, I suppose, though I'd rather they weren't there in the first place. Want to explain the other notification and our guest here?"

"Yeah," Xander continued, his tone growing more serious. "We found an anomalous room attached to the dungeon. It's like an old Simulation remnant from before the crash. It's like these rooms became disconnected from reality during the crash and then the Simulation just kind of stuck them wherever when it rebooted. I've seen one of these before. Nothing quite like the one we found here, but the same general idea. Some type of lab or control room type deal. And there was a stasis chamber."

Harvey raised an eyebrow. "Stasis chamber?"

Xander nodded toward the far corner of the room, where Thalindra stood silently, her towering figure almost blending into the shadows. "That's where we found her. Thalindra. She's a Valdren, and she's been in stasis for who knows how long. When we released her, it triggered another global notification. I'd bet a pocket full of gold that the someone is going to come after her."

"We don't know even the basics of how the Simulation works. People are going to want the knowledge you've got locked in your nogging," Xander said to Thalindra.

Harvey glanced over at Thalindra, who met his gaze with calm, inscrutable eyes. "That's a complication we didn't need."

"Yes, I'm getting that impression. I'm happy to help however I can, but I'm also going to have some catch up to do myself. For instance, I'm going to deduce that 'nogging' is referring to my brain, but what is a goth muscle mommy?"

"Umm… I'll let Xander explain that one to you," Harvey said as he turned beat red before quickly changing the subject. "Find anything else in the dungeon, Xander?"

Xander shrugged while trying not to laugh at Harvey's embarrassment. "Not much. But we came across what was left of another dungeon party. Kids, mostly. Looked like they thought they were the heroes of this story, but they didn't even make it past the first boss. Overconfidence'll get you killed faster than any monster."

Harvey grimaced. "Damn shame. But I guess that's how it goes. You can't save everyone."

"Harv, while Thalindra wasn't a complication we were needing. She's going to have a ton of background information on how even the basics of the Simulation work. I'd say she's almost more important than the trains." Xander added.

There was a brief silence, the weight of the conversation settling over them. Then Harvey shook his head, as if clearing it of dark thoughts. "You're right, of course. I just was hoping we'd already gotten our fair shares of gut punches."Collecting his thoughts for a moment, Harvey continued, "Well, on our end, we've got both steam engines hooked up. Loading should be finished in the next few hours. I was worried you wouldn't make it back in time, so I was planning to leave a small group behind to catch you up. Glad that won't be necessary now."

"Me too," Xander replied. "Last thing we need is to be split up with everything that's going on."

Harvey nodded, but his expression remained troubled. "We've had a few undead attacks here as well. Not as bad as I was expecting, though. They've definitely lost some steam since that world notification. Still, I don't like it. It feels like we're on the edge of something bigger."

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Xander shared the sentiment. "Yeah, it's the damn calm before the storm."

There was another moment of silence, but this time it was more of a shared understanding than an uncomfortable pause. Finally, Harvey straightened up, clapping Xander on the shoulder. "Alright, let's get things wrapped up here. The sooner we're out of this place, the better."

Pushing himself up from the chair, Xander motioned for Thalindra to follow. "Agreed. Let's get it done."

"Now, while the engineers complete the final preparations, on to more jovial items! Let's discuss the loot," Harvey barked, suddenly changing tones to be lighten the mood.

"I think I saw the teams heading toward one train as we walked in. Shall we join them for a little need before greed?" Xander joked.

"Then we better get over there before they divide it all up without us!" Harvey exclaimed.

As Xander moved toward the door, Thalindra's voice stopped him. "Thank you," she said, her words slow and deliberate, as if she were still adjusting to speech after so long in stasis. "I appreciate you freeing me. Surviving the Simulation crash feels like a mixed blessing. Everyone I knew and loved is gone, and the world I once knew no longer exists. But I believe being here, in this moment, is far better than remaining trapped in stasis."

Xander offered her a small, reassuring smile. "Stick with us, and we'll figure this out together."

With that, the duo quickly left the office, Harvey following close behind. There was a spring in both Xander and Harvey's steps as they rushed off to share in the excitement of dividing the spoils of the dungeon run.

Upon entering the car, Xander looked around and marveled at the scene. The passenger car was a masterpiece of Victorian elegance, a stark contrast to the rugged adventurers who now filled it. Plush velvet seats in deep burgundy provided comfort none of them were used to, and polished wooden paneling lined the walls. Brass fixtures gleamed under the soft, golden glow of gas lamps, casting warm light over the richly patterned carpet. The steady clatter of the train on the tracks was a constant reminder of the journey ahead, but for now, all focus was on the large wooden table at the center of the car.

"Where in the heck did you guys find this thing?" Xander asked.

"One engineer found this car over in the President's exhibit. Supposedly, this car once belonged to President Grant himself." Harvey beamed.

"Well, the dead may be walking, but at least we get to ride in style," Zoey quipped.

Xander flopped down into one of the plush seats, feeling the unusual softness beneath his armor. He propped his spear beside him, and the spoils of their recent dungeon delve lay on a table before him. Across the table, Harvey took the opposing chair, setting his Warhammer to lean against the table next to him. He looked equally at home despite the luxurious surroundings. The loot held the attention of the rest of the two parties scattered around the car, some seated, others standing.

"Not a bad haul," Jo remarked with a grin, her fingers lightly tapping the hilt of her sword as she eyed the spread. "Could making a killing on market row back in Starlight with this."

Xander chuckled, shaking his head. "To do what? Buy a tavern and sit out the rest of the world event drinking?"

Harvey smirked, his eyes sparkling with the same excitement that everyone felt. "I wouldn't be telling the truth if I said that temptation didn't exist."

The conversation soon turned to the various items laid out on the table. There were enchanted trinkets, a several of skill books, and a small chest of gold coins. But the most impressive piece by far was a one-handed sword taken from the Conductor.

"Railbreaker," Xander said, almost reverently, as he lifted the sword. The balance was perfect, the blade light but deadly. "This one's special."

Jo's eyes lit up as Xander handed it to her. She tested the weight of the sword, then gave it an experimental swing. "Feels right. I'd really like to have this one."

Harvey nodded in agreement. "Jo's earned it. No objections here."

There was a begrudging mumble of assent from Harvey's team. The distribution continued, with Harvey's group ending up with most of the other loot. Xander's team was already well-equipped, and everyone agreed it made sense to bolster Harvey's party for the challenges ahead.

As the last of the loot was being sorted, Thalindra, who had been watching quietly from the side, finally spoke up. Her voice was calm, with a hint of curiosity. "In my time, there was far less cooperation when it came to treasure. Finder's keepers were the usual way of things."

Xander and Harvey exchanged a glance, both smiling at the thought.

"Yeah, I'm sure there are still folks out there who think like that," Xander replied. "But where we're from, it's a little different. The people from Starlight Oasis are all about survival. Strengthening humanity as a whole."

Harvey nodded, then hesitated, glancing at Thalindra. "Well, I guess it's not just humanity anymore, is it? Survival of all sapient species. Can't afford to be picky."

Thalindra inclined her head slightly, a small smile playing on her lips. "Indeed. It is... refreshing to see such unity."

"Alright, then," Harvey said, standing and stretching his arms over his head. "Looks like we're all set. How about a drink to celebrate?"

"Only if you're buying," Zoey quipped from across the room, drawing a round of laughter from everyone.

Harvey grinned. "Well, it just so happens that the curator of this fine museum felt the need to stock this luxury car with a well-stocked bar."

The warmth of celebration lingered in the passenger car, the clink of glasses and soft laughter filling the space with a fleeting sense of normalcy. The plush velvet seats and polished wood panels of the Victorian-era car seemed almost surreal in contrast to the rugged world outside. Xander leaned back, savoring the last of his drink, feeling the camaraderie of both teams settling into a comfortable rhythm.

Harvey, seated across from him, raised his glass. "To the next leg of the journey. Let's hope it's as profitable as the last."

A chorus of agreements followed, punctuated by Jo's teasing remark. "As long as Xander doesn't keep all the best loot to himself."

Xander smirked, ready with a retort, but before he could respond, the door to the passenger car opened, and one engineer stepped inside. The man's expression was one of quiet urgency, a reminder that the time for relaxation was over.

"We're ready to go," the engineer said, his voice cutting through the remnants of laughter. "I have the trains prepared and ready when you're ready."

The mood in the car shifted, the light-hearted banter giving way to a focused readiness. With a creak of chairs, the adventurers rose and set down their glasses. Xander exchanged a look with Harvey, a silent acknowledgment that the hard part of the journey was truly beginning now.

The transition from the museum's tracks to the principal rail line was a cautious one. Hissing and clattering, the steam trains moved, their massive wheels grinding against the rails with a steady, purposeful rhythm. The museum behind them faded into the distance, a relic of the past, as the trains pressed forward into the unknown.

Xander watched through the window as the landscape shifted, the orderly lines of the museum grounds giving way to the untamed wilds. The weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders, but alongside it, a flicker of excitement. This was what they had come for, what they had survived for. A chance to give the local safe zones an edge.

As the trains picked up speed, Xander and his party moved from the opulence of the passenger car to the flatcar, where the wind whipped at their clothes and hair. The open view was both exhilarating and sobering, a reminder of the world they were fighting for.

Zoey, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon, was the first to spot them. "Undead patrols," she said, nodding toward a distant ridge. The figures were barely more than shadows, moving slowly, unaware of the trains.

Xander narrowed his eyes, following her gaze. The patrols didn't pose an immediate threat, but their presence was enough to keep him on edge. The defeat of the undead officers had weakened the enemy, but it hadn't eradicated them.

"Let's hope they stay over there," Kane said. "I'm not in the mood for a fight just yet."

Thalindra, who had been silent for much of the journey, finally spoke, her voice soft but carrying a weight of ages. "This land... it's beautiful," she said, her eyes distant. "In my time, it was different, but there is still something enduring about it."

Xander glanced at her, catching the hint of nostalgia in her tone. He wondered what memories the landscape stirred in her. Memories of a world long gone, reshaped by time and calamity. He nodded, understanding her sentiment even if the specifics were beyond his grasp. "It is," he agreed. "And we'll keep it that way."

The trains continued their steady progress, the rhythmic sound of the wheels against the tracks a comforting backdrop. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the landscape, painting it in hues of orange and gold. But the tranquility was short-lived.

An hour into the journey, the trains slowed, the hissing of steam engines signaling an unscheduled stop. Xander's instincts prickled as he moved to the edge of the flatcar, leaning out to scan the tracks ahead. His eyes narrowed as he spotted the problem. A derelict diesel-electric train, lifeless, sprawled across the tracks.

"One derailed reminder that the Simulation gives zero shits about right of way," Jo remarked dryly, coming up beside him.

Xander frowned, assessing the situation. The train was now a relic of the old world, abandoned and an obstacle in their path. Clearing it wouldn't be easy, and the delay could cost them valuable time and draw unwanted attention.

Harvey jumped down from the flatcar as the train came to a stop, his gaze fixed on the obstruction. "Not what I was hoping for this early in the trip, but we expected this."

"Xander, check out the train for trouble while I get the engineers set up. We need to clear this fast before an undead patrol, or worse, comes along."

"You hear the man, team! Kane, it's good to have you back. You take lead," Xander called out.

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