Just our luck.

We were making such great progress, more track laid per day than before when Big Iron was in charge.

It took us actually less time than expected, but the crew eventually saw Mt. Canterlot on the horizon. A few days later, we were laying track through the pre-dug tunnel underneath the mountain. Whoever though that up should be given a medal or two.

Everything finally seemed at an end. It wasn't until the Dodge Junction Trunkline crew never appeared did we realize that we were all still hyped up on the oxygenated water from Neighagara. 75% isn't an A, nor is it a completion of a goal.

We all thought the D.J.T. was just a little late. Yeah, give them three days, they'll show up by then.

Those days turned to weeks, and then into months. It was only after the first snow had fallen that we realized that something had gone horribly wrong.

We can't lay track during the winter. No, there are way too many risks associated with that. We'd have to accommodate our wardrobes for the winter cold, and even the heaviest of coats does little to keep the chill at bay. We'd also have to plow through the heavy blanket of snow that would inevitably be in our way. The worst part of it though, is the fact that the wood used as foundation for the tracks would split and bend from the cold wet. We don't have enough supplies to constantly repair that.

So, we were all essentially fired, but we got paid for our service. Everypony chose to stay in Canterlot for the winter. The trip back would be way too arduous.

The roster was already filled up as soon as it reopened, and I recognized nearly all of the names as past crew members'. We all still knew each other, but all of the tunnelers from before were replaced by whom we'd later find out were bridge-builders.

The projected completion date in now 970 R.C. We're to set out the first day of spring.