The engines had heard from Mr. Percival that she was coming; but what they did not expect was for her to arrive merely the morning after Rheneas getting into an accident the evening before; thus, they were not in bright spirits for greeting the newcomer.

"I would like you all to meet our newest volunteer, Lexi Heron," Announced Mr. Percival, gesturing to a small, elfish teen standing next to him, hands clasped behind her back. Her bleached white hair shone in the morning rays like a blazing mane. Her attire- jeans and a fading T-shirt- was plain and dull. Just as well she had the sense to dress in old clothes for working near the engines.

"I would like you to make her feel welcome and help her where you can." The Thin Controller added, looking at all his engines. "I understand you're still feeling upset about Rheneas's accident, but I hope this will not affect Lexi's first day here."

"Yes sir," agreed Skarloey politely, giving Lexi a warm smile. "We'll certainly do our best, sir." He added, seriously.

"Excellent. Now you all know what you're to do for today, so I'll leave you to get organized. I need to head to the Wharf to assign Duke, Mighty Mac and Freddie their orders. Do you think you'll be alright here?" This last question was addressed to Lexi, who nodded with an affirmative, confident smile.

"Yes, sir. I should be fine." She agreed, giving him a brave smile.

Feeling satisfied, the Thin Controller headed off, leaving Lexi alone with the engines.

"Hello, Lexi. Welcome to the Skarloey Railway." Skarloey greeted her warmly, hoping to help the newcomer feel a little comfortable. After all, it wasn't easy being new, and although he had been lucky enough not to have been surrounded by engines he never knew when he first arrived, he knew that Lexi would be on the opposite end of the spectrum.

"Hi," Smiled Lexi, waving at the old engine, before turning to the others, looking over each engine carefully, trying to gauge their reaction to her presence before continuing, "Well, as Mr. Percival mentioned, I'm Lexi Heron, and"-

"Heron? As in Luke's driver, Mr. Heron?" Interrupted Peter Sam, looking at her curiously. Skarloey shot him a warning look, but Lexi merely smirked at this acknowledgement.

"Half the genes, twice the trouble," she quipped, bowing- feeling better that at least some familiarity was established. "He's my dad." Straightening, she gave the engines a lopsided grin. "Us Herons have steam in our blood- believe it or not, but my grandfather worked on the LNER for many years, and my father works here."

"I'm Skarloey," Skarloey said in introduction "… and that's Peter Sam," he gestured to the green engine beside him; before they introduced Rusty, Duncan and Sir Handel. Rusty and Peter Sam greeted her politely; but the others were disinterested or uncertain.

"Don't mind them, Lexi," Encouraged Rusty. "They'll warm to you soon enough. Besides, you've still to meet Duke, Freddie, Mighty Mac, Luke and Rheneas. I'm sure they'll gladly welcome you." He observed Lexi prick up when he mentioned Luke's name. "Once you learn the ropes and meet everyone, you'll fit in just fine."

"Thanks, Rusty," Smiled Lexi. It felt nice to have some support in the yard… especially since her dad wasn't here yet to encourage her in person. She knew he would be busy in the quarry with Luke and Uncle Richard, but she nonetheless wished they were able to be here to encourage her "So… what should I do first?" she asked, looking between Rusty, Peter Sam and Skarloey for an answer; in the hopes she could keep herself busy and forget how nervous she was really feeling.

"Well…." Said Peter Sam, "Agnes and the others have mentioned- repeatedly- that they need a good clean. Perhaps Lexi could sweep up, do some polishing and get them ready for the day's passenger runs."

"That's an excellent idea, Peter Sam." Skarloey acknowledged in agreement.

"But the coaches are fussy, don't forget- they don't take kindly to newcomers." The Skarloey Railway's No. 5 pointed out warningly.

As fond as he was of the old coaches, Skarloey agreed with Rusty. Agnes, Ruth, Jemima, Lucy and Beatrice could be notoriously fussy with new people and engines; but they also had a good nature, and tended to like the engines better after getting to know them; particularly Skarloey and Peter Sam.

"Well, yes, you have a point, Rusty," Skarloey conceded. "But I'm sure Lexi here is made of stronger stuff. She'll manage just fine." He looked over at her. "Although," he added to her in a whisper, "if you do have any trouble with them, let me know, and I'll have a stern word with them."

Lexi, however, was certain that she'd manage just so, and thanked Skarloey, but she was certain that she would manage.

"Well, if you say so," Said Skarloey, a tad worried now. If Lexi is anything like her father, she was bound to have a fiery temper that would most certainly clash with Agnes's…