A/N: This is a request for kristanelprime. I hope you enjoy reading, and please review!
...
"I understand that this hasn't been easy for you all." The Fat Controller spoke slowly.
Thomas, Edward, James Percy and Toby all looked as if they would collapse if they could. Their cheeks were flushed scarlet and they all hardly spoke. Their wheels felt almost limp beneath them and they looked very sorry for themselves.
The Fat Controller was sorry for them too. All the engines were extremely exhausted. James and Edward were the worst, as they had to take the big engine's trains as well as their own. James took the Express for Gordon and poor Edward was stuck with Henry's Flying Kipper train. That, plus his Branchline duties were taking their toll on the old engine.
"I appreciate all your hard work since Henry had to leave for the Mainland, but I feel that the work is getting too much for you, so once Henry and Gordon get back I'll look into getting a new engine." He promised.
"Well why can't we get more help now?" James snapped. "We're exhausted!"
"I'm aware of that, James, but not a lot of railways can afford to spare engines at a busy time like this. We were lucky we could get a hold of Stepney at all." The Fat Controller said severely.
"So what will happen, sir?" Edward asked the Fat Controller, quietly wheezing.
"I shall have Henry come back tomorrow and help with the workload. I am not about to work my fleet into pieces." He decided. "But I don't know when tomorrow I'll be able to have him back, so until he does, I need you to give your all. As for Gordon, I'll phone the works tonight and see how's he's getting on with repairs."
"Alright sir." The engines chorused weakly.
"Good," The Fat Controller said. "Now get some rest. You're in need of it."
...
"Pah!" James snorted, once the Fat Controller had got into his car and drove away. "Trust Gordon to fall ill and leave us with all the work whilst Henry parades off to the Mainland!"
"But I thought you liked taking the Express, James." Thomas replied in an attempt at humour.
"Not when I have to pull it so much my couplings ache!" The red engine snapped. "Henry better hurry up back from the Mainland or else!"
"Yes, it's disgraceful!" Thomas said, winking at Percy.
"Disgusting!" James replied automatically.
"Despicable!" Percy finished, and the two tank engines began chortling to themselves. James was not pleased.
"You tricked me!" He accused.
"Well, at least they know the appropriate response to miserable situations like this." Edward said sternly.
"What, mocking their fellow engines? Whose side are you on, Edward?"
"Edward doesn't side with anyone or anything except the truth. And no, he means they're keeping their spirits up." Toby spoke up in his friend's defence.
The red mixed traffic locomotive just snorted and said he had no time for silly little immature tank engines anyway. He reversed into the shed and ignored his friends for the rest of the night.
"Well," said Edward. "I hate to say this, but 1996 has been one of the toughest years on the North Western Railway yet."
Everyone else had to agree.
...
Meanwhile, The Fat Controller dialled the works number, and waited until the works manager picked up.
"Hello? Yes, I'm phoning to inquire about Gordon." The Fat Controller said politely.
"Oh, you mean number 4? Yes, he's doing much better sir." A raspy voice replied.
If there was one thing no liked about the works manager, he was cold hearted and referred to the engines as their numbers rather than their names. He also disliked Percy Toby and Edward with a passion, for some reason, even though they had done no wrong. But he was an excellent manager and the Fat Controller had no reason to fire him.
With a sigh, the Fat Controller inquired if he could see Gordon the next morning.
"Why of course sir. In fact, you could watch number 4's checks whilst you're there. But only if you can stay, of course.
"Well, I'll stay for an hour. But I'm a busy man, and my engines are exhausted, so Gordon is urgently needed on the line."
"He'll be ready the day after tomorrow sir. We just need to fix his brakes and run his tests."
"Good." And with that, he hung up. He sighed wearily, and noticed his now familiar headache returning.
"Great..." He groaned. He looked up at the wall, and saw a picture of Gordon pulling the Express. He was glad the big blue engine would be back soon. He was very fond of his engines and he hated having them stuck in the works.
Tidying his office up again, he ensured he had everything before he went and locked up.
But as he reached into his pocket, he groaned loudly.
His prized pocket watch was inside his office! He was meant to take it home because it had stopped working, and he left it in his desk drawers.
"I'll get it tomorrow..." He decided, and he trudged wearily towards his car. He was looking forward to a hot supper, his wife's company and bed.