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.

2 B Continued