4

Thomas the Tank Engine or Tommy Engine as the old Steam Train was lovingly called sat waiting for his first voyage beyond the village. They were going to take him down the tracks they knew to be safe so they could see what speed he could creep to. Jack had gone the day before with several others on ATV along the tracks to check those tracks to ensure they were steady.

Since finding Tommy in a museum in a neighboring town, bringing him back and restoring him to life, Bonny was both delighted and proud to be called on to cut the ribbon and pronounce him finished, her delight clear as her hands shook.

Everyone cheered and the children clambered into the heavily fortified carriage their loving parentals had worked on so if there any biteys they would be safe no matter what. Tommy was literally a moving tank on tracks.

Coal was not a problem, a local coal mine nearby that had been partially processed sat with enough coal already in huge …yes…train carriages…. Waiting for the shipment numbers that would never come. Now they would find their way to Holdfast where Tommy had his power source sorted. At least until Tosh could sort something better and Ianto knew she would be working on that too.

Crazy lady.

He loves her so.

Tosh caught him smiling softly at her and raised her eyebrows only to find herself swept up on an embrace and searing kiss that left her boneless as Owen roared and raced to reclaim her "Tell me Toshi, shall we blow this popsicle stand?"

Tosh laughed, clinging to Ianto with glee as she kissed him back then stepped back as Owen reached them "OI! That's my bird!"

"And a rare beauty she is" Ianto said happily "But you know Owen … you do have to share. She is too wonderful not to."

"Yeah" Owen's face softened as he looked at her and pulled her close "I know that for certain. She's way above my pay grade."

"Well, considering I find you priceless that makes her pretty damned impressive" Jack chimed in as he settled next to Ianto, pulling him in close like Owen had with Tosh.

Pip waddled past, his little stick of the day a crooked one he was using to poke at the children and roar nonsense as they screamed and pretend to be afraid, his little self in a playful mood as everyone felt the excitement the air.

"Right, come on lover" Jack said happily "Let's go for a ride."

They all got on and waved to those who stayed behind, more to go on the next ride as at least five trips were promised throughout the day to ensure everyone got a turn … some wanting more than one that were clearly smitten with Tommy.

The most interesting part for Ianto was when they went over the rail bridge and the children fell silent, listening to the rhythm of the wheels on the track, Ianto couldn't help it and started to sing in time to the beat, the children joining in with glee.

Ianto made sure Pip got a chance to be in the driver's chair, his little hat far to big as he held the controls and growled with glee, pretending to drive the he machine. The little dungarees were like that of an engine driver. Everyone told him he looked like he belonged there and his pride told Ianto that one day he would. Pip had found his calling and this time around would get to be a real life train driver.

Ianto could live with that.

They reached the town and Ianto knew it was clear, Marley had scouted ahead to check and they went around the remains of civilization, buildings partially collapsed or taken over by ivy and other plant life, it was not as sad as you might think, it was sort of beautiful and Ianto knew come the summer months there would be many pleas to come again so they might check the progress of the spouting and determined undergrowth …well … outergrowth I guess.

Tommy moved faster than they had hoped, cutting through the journey to come back to their little Holdfast Station with a puff of air and soft toot that had the horses running in their field with fake fear.

That evening there was a special cake made by Francine and her minions, a train with carriages of different things, full of the evening meal, carrots, potatoes, even one pulling the serviettes laid along the large serving table in a buffet style party.

The engine itself a real sponge cake to be served last and Ianto knew who wanted to cut it, lifting Pip up onto a chair and helping him hold the knife as he crowed and jiggled with delight, cutting into the Tommy Cake.

It was a glorious day.

Ianto knew it would be one the children would remember.

A day they won another battle.

If only for a moment … they had owned the world.