Out of the Ordinary

Next Morning the Engines woke up, and Alana was still there as she had been told not to leave the sheds just yet. The Little Ponies were there too and so were the young employees

"I wonder why Zuko, Celestia and the Fat Controller told me to stay here till eight. What's going on?" Alana inquired.

"The Fat Controller has a plan and so does Prince Zuko and Princess Celestia." Edward explained.

"Let's just hope that Zuko's not leaving Haru in charge. Last time that happened we had a Nova the Phoenix Freak out." Belle explained.

"We could do without another incident like that." Alana put in.

"Actually this was before you and the new diesels even showed up, Alana." Nicole corrected.

Right on cue Celestia, Zuko, and the Fat Controller arrived with the Fat Controller riding on Zuko's back. "Good morning, everyone."

"Good morning, sir." the engines greeted.

"As you all know the Little Western Branch Line took quite a bit of damage so we're gonna need to work hard to fix it. And we're strengthening it as well." Zuko explained.

Salim the resident GWR 2800 class was happy to hear that, "Does that mean I can go get the Ballast myself at last?"

"Yes, Salim, and it's going to come in handy since we'll need your help." Zuko answered.

"You can count on me." Salim replied.

"As for the rest of you, you have your usual jobs today. Larry, I'll need you to bring some Jobi Wood from Misty Island and deliver it to the Lumber Mill. We'll need it for the ties." The Fat Controller started giving out orders.

"I'll get on that right away, sir."

"Gordon, you, Nicole, and Natalie will be working Passenger trains." Celestia ordered.

"Of course." The big engine confirmed.

"Thank goodness I'm not saddled with goods trains. I'm not built for it." Natalie said.

"Neither was I but I like doing goods work." Nicole added.

"Perhaps you should stick to the stuff you know, Nicole." Camille suggested,

"Perhaps." Nicole admitted.

"Moving on. James, I need you take a load of Iron Ore to the Steel Mill and bring Steel back. Galleth I need you to go get some Oil and take it to the Dieselworks." Zuko ordered. The two engines agreed.

"I was expecting James to grumble about his shiny red paint getting dirty." Michelle whispered.

"Michelle, if you value your life don't start." Maggie warned her, and Michelle said nothing and decided to leave it at that.

"What about me, sir?" Neville inquired.

"Since Duck, Oliver, and the Scottish Twins are gonna be restoring the little western I'll need you to stay here for two seconds. I'm going to need your help with something." Zuko answered.

"As for the rest of you. Get going." The Fat Controller ordered, and the engines acknowledging their jobs went right to work.

Neville stayed behind as Zuko instructed, "Why did you ask me to stay behind?"

"Because we need your help. What do you know about the Southern Region of the British Railways?" Celestia wondered.

"I know it like the inside of my funnel."

"And do you know any BR Standard Class Engines that worked in that region? I'd ask Electra but she's busy dealing with a power outage in Barrow In Furness." Zuko asked.

"I know the best of them. Is that one of the types you'll need here?"

"Actually yes it is," The Fat Controller continued, "We'll need a mixed traffic engine to help Nicole and Natalie on the Kirk Ronan Branch. Edwin is already a BR Standard Class 2 Tank Engine and Barry's the Tender Version but we'll need a bit more help with restoring the Little Western."

"And we'll also need the engine to be willing to transport captured members of Crime Incorporated to London in the Southern Region." Zuko added.

"Do you know of any engines who're willing to do that?" The Fat controller asked.

"One. She goes by the name of Pocket Rocket. I also know of a Southern Railway Merchant Navy by name of Clan Line and she's a lot like Edward in terms of Personality."

"Good. Good." The Fat Controller voiced his approval.

"Want me to go get them?" Neville asked.

"For now we'll need Pocket Rocket and as long as you're going to get her take some coal to some of the heritage railways on the mainland, I'll have Thunderbird help you. Edwin should be at the Coaling Plant arranging the trucks into place." zuko said.

"Yes, sir." Neville left for the Coaling Plant to do his job leaving the Humans and Ponies alone to talk.

"So what do you need us for? Geoff asked.

"You eleven are the strongest of your generation and I fear Crime Incorporated will attack the Little Western again." Celestia explained.

"So basically you want us to be bodyguards or something?" Carol inquired.

"Actually, we need you to help restore the little Western branchline to its former glory and maybe even better and stronger than before." Zuko explained.

Carl a brunette with brown eyes had something to say, "If we're going to restore the area then that means we may have to restore the roads which means George the Steamroller is sure to show up.

"Who is George?" Fluttershy asked curiously.

"A Steamroller who has a bigger issue with engines than most diesels." Carl explained.

"And his fellow Steamroller Joe from the Mainland is no better," Geoff put in, "I heard from my Uncle on the Mainland who works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway that Joe caused problems for the engines there as well."

"So why don't we just take his roller away?" Rainbow suggested.

"Rainbow!" Twilight chided her.

"Just asking." The Pegasi replied.

"Or better yet why don't we scrap him and get Jenny and her team to do the job?" Camille suggested, "They have a roller by name of Buster and he's much nicer. He's a Steamroller as well but perhaps we need a diesel roller to replace George."

They pondered and pondered on the possibilities, "How about we get to work restoring the Little Western first?" Edna suggested, "Then we'll call for help. Neville should be delivering his coal by now to the heritage railways.

Meanwhile in Crime Incorporated's Headquarters in Mindy's Mansion they were watching the conversation via Magic Mirror and Mindy had an idea.

"Yes. Yes, it's perfect." Mindy beamed.

"What's your plan this time, Mindy?" Jasmine wondered.

"Gather around and I'll elucidate." she ordered, as they did so.

"Very well. It just so happens that Talon's sisters, Cassidy and Jessie have returned and Talon's younger brother Hun is here," Jasmine explained, "I'll get them, Amanda, the League of Eight, Dark Corvo, and Ryo, Vypra, Anya, Sarah, Katey, Eloise and Kylie."

So Jasmine went to do just that and when everyone was gathered in the meeting room the discussion began, "So what's the reason why you brought us here?" Katey asked. My gang and I have got ships to rob in the Southampton Area and we're planning to rob the Bluebell Railway's passengers today."

"Calm down, Cousin," Eloise calmed her, "Mindy has a plan. So, Mindy what is your plan?

"It's simple. We highjack Neville and steal all the coal. Without the coal they won't be able to run."

"One problem, Sodor has plenty of Coal at the Coaling plant. They could just send more." Shard noted.

"Then we cut off their supply." Mindy replied.

"And how do you propose we do that?" Amanda asked, "Destroy the Coaling Plant and get the Steamroller and the Lorries who went to Sodor to tell us everything they know since they despise the Railroads as much as we do?

Mindy smirked, "You took the words right out of my mouth."

"There is one other Steamroller and three more Lorries I want involved in this plan." Katey said.

"Very well, if you feel up for the challenge." Mindy said.

"Very well. Count me in." Katey nodded.

"We better hurry. I got word from my spies that Neville's already in Wales and a class 57 gas guzzler is with him." Kylis said.

"Then let's get to it." Mindy ordered.

"I'll take Kylie with me since she knows the area and I'll take Oakley with me," Raptor said, "She's better suited to command the Shadowkhan tribe that we'll need for this mission."

"Do what you must." Mindy answered, as Raptor got his team together and flew off to attack Neville's train.

Meanwhile with Neville, he and Thunderbird were in the Barrow as they had their respective trains ready.

"So how does an engine like you come into existence? I've never heard of your class before." Thudnerbird said.

"That is a very interesting story, Thunderbird. It all dates back to 1942 during World War II." Neville began.

"You don't say?" Thunderbird asked.

"I do say," Neville replied, "Anyway the Chief Mechanical Engineer at the time Oliver Bulleid was in the middle of building the Q class engines that were designed by Richard Maunsell for branchline goods work but Bulleid wasn't impressed by them. So when World War II came out he designed the Q1 Class to give the Southern Railway engines that could handle goods trains and were light enough to go on most of the network."

"Interesting."

"Thanks. When we get to the southern Region I'll introduce you to the other Bulleid Designed Steam engines.

"I'd like that." Thunderbird admitted.

Neville smiled and his guard blew his whistle signaling that it was time for him to go. Thunderbird's guard blew his whistle a few minutes later and he followed with his load of Coal.

Meanwhile back at the Little Western Rosie and Edwin had been drafted to help bring in supplies and lay down the rails for the Branchline.

"This is getting out of hand," Edwin began, "Something needs to be done about Crime Incorporated once and for all."

"I agree." Rosie agreed.

"That makes three of us," Duck put in, "Crime incorporated was bad enough, but with the league of Eight and the England Terrors helping them and teaming with the Crows they'll be terrorizing all of the United Kingdom by now."

"Mavis is never gonna hear the end of the complaints," Carol replied, "After all the leaders of the England Terrors are her Driver's nieces."

"And here's the sad part she's been overworked in the quarry lately." Camille added.

"I can't imagine she'd be pleasant with all this piled up on her." Duck said.

"Perhaps one of us better go find her some help?" Twilight suggested.

"And how can we do that what with all of us being tied up as it is?" Camille asked.

"Check some of the Heritage Railways and see if there are any diesels available to help Mavis," Benjamin offered, "Or we call Azula and get her to reverse that stupid law about the Tramway."

"What law?" Applejack asked.

"The law that states Engines without Cowcatchers and Sideplates are forbidden to travel on Tramways," Geoff explained, "That's the reason why Toby was brought to Sodor. If you ask me that law is outdated and it needs to go."

"Yeah, and Thomas was wrongfully prosecuted by a cop because of that." Benjamin put in.

"If that had been James and I were around then I would've beaten the cop to a pulp and torched his entire family if he ever called James dangerous to the public." Maggie said.

"Easy, Maggie. Remember your blood pressure." Rarity calmed her.

"As for your other question, Camille," Seth started, "We could let Kira and Tori go find some help. They did find a Five Compartment Coach in the Same Style as Annie and Clarabel that could come in handy in the future and they are on vacation from the Smelters."

"They could do that." Camille admitted.

"And Electra can take them." Edna added.

"Okay so we have a plan. Now let's get back to work." Oliver ordered, and so they continued with their jobs.

Meanwhile Kira and Tori were with Electra who was in Barrow In Furness after finishing up the Power Crisis was currently traveling with them to find some Diesel shunters.

"Thanks for the ride, Electra." Kira thanked her.

"No problem."

"Considering most of the staff and the diesels hate our guts for what we did for that Mainline Certified Steam Engine. Why didn't we just look the other way and keep our mouths shut?" Tori asked.

"Because we lack the capacity?" Kira asked.

"Because you were doing what you both knew was right despite your fathers' engines being scrapyard diesels and the fact that you both come from a long line of scrapyard and smelter yard employees," Electra explained, and the two looked sheepish, "I take it most of the Steam engines hate you both for that and fear you'll act like your fathers' engines?"

"Partially, but how do you know about us?" Tori asked.

"I'm 15 Dragon years old and 1 Dragon year is 100 human years so I'm 1500 human years old. I've met your ancestors and I've got to say they managed to hide a few Steam Engines away in certain parts of the Scrapyards that nobody knows about even to this day except for me. How do you think Zuko found Keira the Southern Railway's E4 Class Tank Engine?"

"I thought it was because of pure chance." Kira said.

"Not completely chance." Electra replied.

"Ladies is there supposed to be thunder rain and lightning all across the United Kingdom this week?" Tori wondered.

"Why no, Tori. It's supposed to be sunny today. Why do you ask?" Electra replied.

"Cause there's thunder rain and lightning coming up and there's a yellow dragon along with some flying bat like ninjas." Tori pointed to what she saw in a distance.

They looked up, as Electra gasped, "Uh-oh."

"Electra in the words of Nicole the Great Northern C1 Small Boiler Atlantic. Who the fuck is that and what the fuck are those things?" Kira cried.

"Oakley, and she brought another tribe of Shadowkhan."

"Question is what are they doing here?" Tori asked.

"Probably trying to rob Neville." Electra pointed down to see Neville with a Coal Train for the Heritage Railways, "We gotta stop them."

"Hold it. Camille said that Oakley was a Crow Princess which means that the Dragon in question has to be Raptor." Kira said.

"So what do we do?" Tori asked.

"We do what we did for that Mainline Certified Steam Engine and help Neville. What do you think we do?" Kira asked.

"Do what is right and just," Electra ordered. Kira and Tori got the message as they and Electra began to fly into action.

Meanwhile, Raptor, Jasmine, and Oakley had brought another tribe of Shadowkhan with which to attack Neville and his coal train.

"It's too bad Neville isn't a diesel otherwise I could fry his motor with a single blast of my breath." Raptor said.

"Which is probably why they sent him out," Oakley deduced, "However all we need to do is simply shoot the whistle on a steam engine. Shoot it and they won't be going anywhere."

"And he's far away from civilization," Kylie added, "Thunderbird left for the mainline heritage Railways in the eastern regions so we'll let Avarona and Eloise deal with him. All Jasmine needs to do is take the shot with that sniper rifle we gave her and goodbye Neville."

"And I got the shot ready." Jasmine added, as she took aim and prepares to fire the Sniper Rifle only to find it blasted into atoms.

Oakley turned to see Kira riding with Tori on Electra's back having fired a fireball at the weapon destroying it on the spot, "Well, well, if it isn't the big mouths. The Other Railway Diesels told me about you. I'm sure they'll thank me once I silence you for good. Bat Shadowkhan, attack."

"Electra, move!" Kira called,

Electra dodged as Oakley summoned a legion made of 2000 Shadowkhan that had huge bat wings began attacking Electra, Kira, and Tori, "Getting harder to concentrate in midair!"

"I hate to bring more bad news but Raptor's getting ready to attack Neville!" Tori cried.

"What do we do now?" Kira asked.

"Unleash a fury." Electra answered.

"Let's do it!" Tori ordered.

Electra focused her energy and built up her electricity till she unleashed a massive wave of energy that fried the Shadowkhan and shocked Oakley and Jasmine and knocked Raptor out cold.

"Got them!" Electra cheered.

"Though I think you may have fried all the electrical equipment within a 30 mile radius of yourself," Kira noted, "Fortunately Celestia managed to insulate our phones from that. Either way let's go escort Neville the rest of the way down to the Southern Region."

"What about them?" Tori motioned to Oakley, Jasmine, and Raptor.

"None of us are Earthbenders so there's nothing we can do to restrain them for now and even if we did call the cops they'd probably use the Shadowkhan to escape." Electra explained.

"So we do nothing?" Kira asked.

"For now I'm afraid so," Electra answered, "It's too bad Botanica's not here. She could use her plant element to keep them tied up and besides there's still the issue of Neville?"

"Perhaps one of us can go with Neville." Tori suggested.

"I'll do it." Kira volunteered.

"Good thing Camille taught me how to do this." Tori used a spell to teleport Kira into the brake van of Neville's train.

"Now all we need to do is wait." Electra said.

Meanwhile, Neville was still going down south to the Bluebell Railway located in the Southern Region as he set down his coal trucks at each heritage railway till he arrived with the last of his coal at the Bluebell.

"Finally." Neville smiled.

"Home sweet Home huh, Neville?" his driver asked, "How does it feel to be back in the Southern Region?

"Nostalgia." he answered.

"Perhaps we can stick around for a few days," The fireman suggested, "I'm sure the other engines can cover the workloads while we're gone. Maybe we might see some of your old pals here like Braunton, Tangmere and Clan Line."

"That would be nice." Neville admitted.

"Perhaps Zuko can make it happen." Kira's voice came from the brakevan.

"Kira, where did you come from?" The driver asked in shock.

"I've been here for a bit. There was trouble around here, but nothing Tori, Electra and I couldn't handle."

"Ironic considering that your dad is Arry's Driver and Tori's dad is Bert's Driver and that you both come from a long line of Scrapyard Employees." The fireman said.

"You got me." she replied.

"Anyway I'll phone the Fat Controller and ask if we can stay for a couple of days," The driver said, "He did say that we needed to find Clan Line or Pocket Rocket so as long as we're here we may as well hang around."

"Yes!" Neville cheered.

Neville's Driver then dialed up the Fat Controller, "Sir, we're at the Bluebell and we were wondering if we could spend some time here so we could catch up with Neville's old pals. Really? Oh thank you, sir. Oh, Neville will be most grateful." The Driver then hung up after a few more minutes.

"What did he say?" Neville asked.

"Does he know I'm with you guys?" Kira asked.

"He said he'd allow it, and he was just briefed by Tori and Electra you were with us."

"So does that mean we can stay for a week?" Neville asked.

"We may, as long as you behave yourself and not get into any trouble."

Neville was so delighted to hear the news that he didn't notice Stepney puff up next to him, "So I suppose you'll be sticking around here for a while. Is it true?

"Yes, Stepney, it's true though the last time I saw you, you looked different. Did you get a new coat?"

"As a matter of fact yes. Glad you noticed."

"Camille would have a lot to comment on that coat. You actually got a Black coat. Black is her favorite color." Kira said.

"Good to know and who is Camille?" Stepney asked.

"The Daughter of Diesel's Driver and Kira is the daughter of Arry's Driver and her cousin Tori Wright is the daughter of Bert's Driver." Neville introduced them.

"Nice to meetcha." Kira greeted him.

"So your father and your uncle are the drivers of the diesels that tried to scrap me?" Stepney asked, "How do I know that you and Tori are nothing like your fathers' engines? From what I've heard Camille was a lot like her dad's engine."

"We're trying to make amends by not acting like our guardians." she answered.

"What are you talking about?" a voice asked.

Stepney, Neville and Kira heard a voice and on cue it was Braunton, a Rebuilt Southern railway Bulleid Light Pacific, "Hey, Braunton. Kira was just saying that she and Tori are trying not to act like their Father's engines or their ancestors." Stepney explained.

"Well at least you two didn't constantly eggs and demean us unlike that horrid little brat Camille." Braunton said.

"What did she do?" Kira asked.

"She pranked all the mainline certified Steam Engines and dumped eggs, paint, garbage and manure on us." Braunton explained.

"So we heard. Well, she is learning to stop doing that." Tori said, as they suddenly saw her beside them.

"Tori, where did you come from?" Neville gasped.

"Came here to check on Kira."

Electra spoke, "And to visit some of the Heritage Railways. By the way where's Tangmere? I thought she'd be here."

"Tangmere's busy," Braunton explained, "She'll be here later tonight. So why have you come here?"

"We've captured a Crow Princess, A member of the Dragon League of Eight and one of the vandals that trashed Maggie's house on Sodor." Electra explained.

"Not to sound rude but this is important how?" Braunton inquired.

"Because, they allied themselves with Crime incorporated." Tori explained, as the Engines all gasped in shock.

"Did you say Crime Incorporated?" Braunton asked.

"That's right." Tori answered.

"That would explain why Mr. George Walkers called Tangmere away for a very special assignment," Braunton said, "Something about a Prisoner Transport to the security facility in London."

"Let's hope this one is strong enough otherwise Tangmere is gonna find herself shot at and we're never gonna hear the end of it," Electra said, "Honestly that engine acts like a female version of James and Azula says that Sovereign is a female version of James." Everyone else agreed to that as they got the message.

Meanwhile back on the Little Western the Engines, Ponies and Humans had finished part of the Branchline when Salim arrived, "Now this is what I call solid craftsmanship. Why didn't they do this earlier?" Salim asked.

"Because Steam Kettles like you were never intended for branchline use," Camille answered, "Honestly sixty years of mineral duty and you never learned that."

"Camille what have my friends and I told you about insulting others?" Twilight asked sternly.

Camille sighed, "If you can't say anything nice then don't say anything."

"Good girl. You're learning." Twilight said.

Kasumi then flew in with a smile on her face, "I have good news for us all. Raptor of the league of eight has been captured and so has a crow princess but the Terror Queen of Wales escaped."

Camille froze feeling ready to have a heart attack, "Could you repeat that?"

"I said that Raptor of the League of eight has been captured and so has Princess Oakley of the Crows but the Terror Queen of Wales escaped. Kira, Tori, and Electra were the ones to do it."

"That's what I thought you said." Camille said, before fainting.

"Medic. Somebody get a medic." Geoff ordered.

So they were tending to Camille until she regained consciousness, "What the fuck happened?" Camille groaned.

"You fainted." Twilight explained.

"Like Fluttershy does when something scares her badly. Such as seeing Prince Zuko for the first time." Rainbow added.

"Yeah, you fainted after hearing Raptor of the League of eight was captured along with Princess Oakley of the Crows." Pinkie said.

"This is a good thing. Right? We should be celebrating." Edna said.

"After we finish working on the branchline." Maggie put in.

"Actually, we shouldn't celebrate just yet. Do you have any idea what Crime Incorporated, the Crows and the Dragon League of Eight is gonna do next?" Camille asked.

"No, but if you hum a few bars, we can fake it." Pinkie joked.

"This isn't funny, Pinkie Pie," Seth warned her, "They're probably gonna want revenge upon Kira and Tori by tearing them and their families apart and since their fathers work with Class 08 diesels then it's gonna be open season on all the Class 08 diesels. Thank goodness my dad is Salty's driver and that Salty himself is a Class 07 Dockyard Diesel."

"Thanks for bringing that up, Seth." Benjamin replied.

"Does every good thing we try to do with stopping Crime Incorporated only make things worse?" Twilight asked.

"I told you before. Crime Incorporated is an overwhelming foe. Fortunately they'll be focused on breaking Raptor and Oakley out and it will take them some time to figure out where they're being held." Camille explained.

"So what else can we do until then?" Rainbow asked.

"Hide the engine that transported the prisoners at the Steamworks. Since my Phoenix moment Zuko and the staff there have added extra wards so that nobody in Crime Incorporated or anyone allied with them can enter uninvited." Maggie said.

"Good plan." Twilight nodded.

"We better get to work. I have a feeling we'll meet the engine in question later on." Carol noted.

So the group continued working all through the day till it was sunset and later on. Salim took the group in the workman's coach and the cranes home.

"What a day of hard work." Brian sighed.

"But worth every bit of effort." Camille said.

"I'm pooped." Pinkie said.

"With all the energy you put in we're practically ahead of schedule. I don't know how you did it." Geoff said.

"Never underestimate a pony with my driving force." Pinkie grinned.

"Perhaps we could invite some of these steam engines to Equestria? It would make traveling between cities easier on our hooves." Rarity suggested

"Easier said than done," Kasumi began, "Equestria doesn't have the technology to support Diesel Engine technology and I'm not sure that you Ponies have any suitable coal to fuel the Steam Engines."

"So much for that idea." Rarity sighed.

"Hold on, Rarity" Twilight spoke up, "The idea does have some merit. All we need is to find some Earth Dragons to open up some mines. After all how do we have steel in Equestria?"

Rarity and the other ponies started catching on. Rainbow spoke up, "I get it now. We can link Equestria and Sodor together for good and show unity. If we're united the Crows and Crime Incorporated won't scare us anymore."

"Precisely." Twilight nodded.

"Ladies and Gentlemen we're at the Steamworks. Please exit in a single file fashion and do not panic." Salim instructed. So everybody got out of the Workmen's coach and entered the Steamworks.

When the group got inside they could see two different looking engines. One of them was a BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0 Mogul while the other looked like a can of Spam on wheels. The engine in question was a Pacific and painted in Southern Railway Green.

"Holy shit I knew the Fat Controller still uses Steam Engines but what possessed him to bring in a spam can on wheels?" Camille gasped, only to get glares from everyone present, "What you all were thinking similar thoughts so don't front." Their expressions did not change, and Camille decided to shut up.

"I know these engines," Maggie said, "The BR Standard Class 4 Mogul is Pocket Rocket and the Bulleid light pacific is Tangmere."

"Then what are they doing here?" Applejack inquired.

"I'm here to be Neville's substitute while he's away at the Bluebell for a week." Pocket Rocket explained.

"And I'm here on orders from Mr. George Walters the Fat Director of the Mainline Certified Steam Engines for my own safety since I was responsible for transporting Raptor, Oakley, and Jasmine to the prison." Tangmere added.

"Let's hope that you didn't get shot at on the way here." Michelle said.

"We didn't." Tangmere answered.

"Thank goodness for that. I have a feeling that your abilities will be needed soon." Brian said.

"That's why we were brought here." Pocket said.

"Well one of you anyway but for now Zuko and the Fat Controller will come see you both in the morning," Geoff explained, "It's getting late so Pocket Rocket be a dear and take us to Tidmoth. We'll sleep in the crew's quarters."

"You got it." Pocket said. So Pocket Rocket went to take the kids and the Ponies to Tidmoth.

"What am I supposed to do? Sit here and look like a lady?" Tangmere asked.

"For the time being yes," Edna answered, "We'll do your inspection in the morning." So the group left for Tidmoth leaving Tangmere to snooze in the Steamworks.