INT. TRAIN PLATFORM - DAY  
A bustling train platform in the heart of winter. The TAURUS EXPRESS is poised for departure, steam curling up into the cold air. LIEUTENANT DUBOSC (a sturdy man in his early thirties) stands near the train with a concerned look on his face. HERCULE POIROT (a meticulous man in his fifties, with a trademark mustache) approaches, adjusting his overcoat.  

DUBOSC  
(cheerful but anxious)  
Monsieur Poirot! It seems this journey will be more treacherous than a night battle.  

POIROT  
(smiling)  
Ah, Lieutenant! The cold does not deter my spirit. A journey is what we make of it.  

DUBOSC  
(nods, glancing at the darkening sky)  
Weather reports predict a storm. Perhaps the tension in the air matches the clouds above?  

POIROT  
(raising an eyebrow)  
And yet, it is your presence that seems to calm the tempests around us.  

DUBOSC  
(slightly embarrassed)  
I merely serve a duty, Poirot. With the military situation escalating, I fear...  

Suddenly, the whistle of the locomotive blows, echoing through the chill. Passengers rush past them, some laughing, others arguing.  

POIROT  
(interrupts, serious)  
Lieutenant, you must not forget that fear can cloud judgment. Focus on clarity, not chaos.  

DUBOSC  
(sighs)  
Easier said than done. The burden of command weighs heavily. Yet, your visit has lightened that weight.  

POIROT  
(turning slightly as he prepares to board)  
Then remember, my friend, even amidst shadows, one can find the light.  

DUBOSC  
(firmly)  
I will do my best. But promise me, Poirot, should you encounter any trouble during your travels    

POIROT  
(smiling knowingly)  
You shall be the first to know. I have a penchant for solving mysteries, Lieutenant.  

DUBOSC  
(grinning)  
Just so long as they do not involve international intrigue!  

They share a warm laugh, but Dubosc  s expression turns serious again.  

DUBOSC  
(earnestly)  
Stay vigilant. Times are uncertain.  

POIROT  
(with a reassuring nod)  
And I shall carry that vigilance like a shield.  

The train conductor calls louder, urging passengers to board. Poirot takes a step back, preparing to depart.  

POIROT  
(waving)  
Au revoir, Lieutenant! Until our paths cross again!  

DUBOSC  
(waving back)  
Safe travels, Poirot! May fortune favor you!  

As Poirot steps onto the train, he pauses and looks back at Dubosc, who remains on the platform, a hint of worry etched on his face.  

POIROT  
(calling out)  
Remember, every storm passes!  

With a final nod, the doors of the train close. The Taurus Express begins to pull away, leaving Dubosc watching intently, the cold wind swirling around him.  

DUBOSC  
(to himself)  
Let  s hope you  re right, Poirot.  

FADE OUT.