The pounding on the door intensified, each strike reverberating through the control room. Martin grabbed the intercom and pressed the button. “Listen to me,” he said, his voice steady but firm. “If you pull the emergency brakes, this train will derail. You’ll kill all of us, including yourselves. Think about it.”
The leader’s voice came through, laced with scorn. “You’re bluffing.” Martin leaned closer to the mic. “Am I? Take a good look at the speedometer through the window. We’re moving too fast. The only way this train stops safely is at the station. You’ve already lost.”