"You ALWAYS leave the brakes applied AT ALL TIMES while passengers are boarding or the engine is supposed to be stopped! Today is a perfect example as to WHY that regulation is in place!" Scott shouted. "It's not a fucking car!"

The engineer of the Number One dismissed the issue. "No one was hurt."

Before Scott could lay into him again, Joshua spoke up. "No one was hurt because Mister Perkins risked his life to save everyone," he revealed.

Seeing that his words weren't having an effect, he turned to the fireman of the Number One. "Tell me. What would have happened had the Number One reached the danger point?"

Unfortunately, the fireman shrugged, "Could have been too bad. There are safety measures."

Scott so desperately wanted to throttle both of the men in front of him. "The firebox would heat up to a point that any water that touched it would turn into superheated steam, causing an increase in pressure and likely an explosion with a kill radius of at least forty meters." he replied when Joshua turned to him, "Any safety measures are meant to be triggered by the crew to recover from a lapse in judgement during regular service and cannot be triggered remotely." however he paused, "Though there is one feature that can be triggered automatically, however, it would have hastened the demise of everyone as when the water reaches less than a couple of litres in the boiler while the engine is running, the injectors would flood open and that would lead to a large amount of superheated steam and a much larger explosion."

Joshua raised an eyebrow, "How large?"

Scott shrugged, "Unknown with current data sets, and the only way to figure it out would most certainly level the area around the test site." he replied before sighing, "And Naval Studies get jumpy when there are explosions on their ships."

Joshua nodded, but Foster approached and spoke, "Quite right. And as Chief Mechanical Engineer I am hesitant to sacrifice an engine for a test that would destroy it." he replied before rubbing his brow. "Still. You averted a crisis, Mister Perkins. An avoidable one yes, but a crisis nonetheless."

Joshua glared at the two crewmen, "Until we decide otherwise, you both are being demoted to the Permanent Way Gang. Dismissed!"

Grumbling, they left, leaving Scott, Joshua and Foster in the office alone. "As for you Mister Perkins." Foster began, "It is clear that you would be wasted on the works crew. We are authorizing your promotion to the rank of Fireman of the Afternoon Shift. Effective tomorrow morning."

Joshua nodded, "The Lady Chancellor of St Gloriana was on the train you saved and is putting forth a motion to recognize your heroics to the Parliament. I would expect that you can expect it to be discussed tomorrow during school."

Scott looked down, "I just did what anyone would have done in the position. That's all."

Joshua raised an eyebrow, "No one thought of jumping from train to train to rescue the passengers. I was thinking that at best, we might save the passengers but lose the engine." he replied.

Scott raised an eyebrow, "No one has seen or read Old Iron? Reverend Awdry? Thomas?"

Joshua blinked a few times before rubbing his brow. "Why didn't we think of that?" he muttered.

Foster snorted, "Cause Mister Perkins here took command of the situation and everyone, including ourselves, followed him."

Joshua nodded and left the office, leaving just Scott and Foster. Turning to leave himself, Scoot stopped when Foster spoke up, "Something that Josh won't tell you is that he feels he owes you for what you did."

Scott blinked, "Whatever do you mean?" he asked.

Foster sighed, "The Lady Chancellor just happens to be his girlfriend." he replied.

With that, Foster left a stunned Scott to mull about what happened. Eventually, he left the office but found his way to a park bench to sit and think about what happened. However, a quiet contemplation was not going to come to him that day as a now-familiar voice garnered his attention, "But the Parliament will never recognize the efforts of a foreign exchange student on his first day aboard! They'll argue with you for hours on end and nothing will get done other than the wasting of your time." Lily, or Orange Pekoe, remarked. Scott still wasn't sure what to think about the tea-based names.

A much calmer voice replied, "If not for his efforts, many lives would have been lost. Joshua admitted that he didn't know how big of an explosion would have happened, only that it would have been large."

Lily sighed, "Lady Darjeeling, I am not saying that he didn't do something heroic, quite the opposite in fact. But even you must understand that they'll never properly reward him for his actions."

Darjeeling smirked at her second, a teasing glint in her eyes. However, before she could tease Pekoe, she noticed Scott sitting on a bench not too far from them. Standing and drawing Pekoe with her, she bowed to him, "Good day Mister Perkins, thank you once again for your heroics this morning."

Scott blinked, "I merely did my duty, even if I was a day early." he waved off.

Darjeeling smirked, "Better a day early than a day late." she replied before looking at him curiously, "Joshua told me that you took charge of the response. How did the others take that?"

Scott shrugged, "Enough practice as Captain of the Texas got my "command" voice to be unquestionable enough. And when in a crisis, people will gravitate towards a commanding presence." he remarked before looking to the side abashed, "And I may have some lingering issues about relinquishing control considering how I was dismissed from Texas."

Darjeeling nodded before gesturing to Pekoe, "You both met yesterday I understand?"

Scott nodded, "Indeed. A pleasure to see you again Miss Lily."

Pekoe inclined her head, partially in acknowledgement, partially to cover the blush that threatened to break out on her face. "The pleasure is mine, I assure you," she replied.

Darjeeling quietly hid a smirk at their expressions, an idea forming in her mind. One that she was sure that Joshua would agree to. Just then, her phone went off and, recognizing the tone, she silenced it, "I must make my way to the Parliament building for today's meeting." she remarked before looking at Scott, "Again, thank you for your heroics." she said before she turned to Pekoe, "I won't need any further assistance today. You're free for the rest of the day. Have a good one Pekoe."

Turning quickly to hide the smirk that was breaking out on her face, Darjeeling left Pekoe and Scott to their own devices.

Entering the chamber, Darjeeling nodded to various members. She hoped that she had enough support for at least one of her requests. As she took her seat, she took note of the various student club leaders that made up her cabinet, each one in the uncomfortable position of taking her position if they got a majority of the chamber in support. She had spent much of her first year dealing with power struggles and many of them hadn't eased up on their ambition.

At that moment, the Speaker of the House rose. "Order!" she called, getting everyone to settle down and take their seats. "The Seventy-Ninth Parliament of St Gloriana is herewith called into power. The Lady Chancellor, Darjeeling has the floor."

Rising to the podium, Darjeeling inclined her head. "Madam Speaker, Members of Parliament, we stand greater and taller than ever before. The clubs have never been stronger, nor have they been held in such high regard as they are now. It is thanks to this body that they have the support they need and the interest they do," she began, pausing as the chamber, following similar rules and traditions to the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, made grumblings of support. "However, we mustn't forget those who do not speak in our chamber who support us. Indeed. It would be remiss of us to forget the Naval Studies program students who run the ship. Or the Transit Studies program students who run our renowned light railway and provide the logistical support to the clubs and to the Navel Studies program." this time, there was a much louder rumble of support. "But I draw this body's attention to the Transit Studies program in particular…" she remarked before weaving the story of that morning's events "… I now request this chamber to adequately reward Mister Perkins for his heroic actions." she finished.

At once, the chamber broke out into quiet mutterings among its members. Finally one stood up and the Speaker nodded, "The Right Honourable Lady Jones!"

Lady Jones inclined her head, "Madam Speaker, knowing how many people are on the trains in the morning on Sundays and that the Passenger Line runs through some of the most populated areas of the ship, I move that we waive all tuition and fees incurred by Mister Perkins."

"Seconded!" someone called out.

The Speaker nodded, "The Motion carries." she announced before seeing another stand, "The Honourable Lady Gray!"

Lady Gray, present in her capacity as Treasurer of the Clubs, nodded, "I propose that in recognition of his deeds, we award Mister Perkins with a Special Citation for Bravery from the School. Including all the benefits that come with it."

Darjeeling was shocked to hear that suggestion since that would allow him to take a seat in the Parliament if he chose to. Even more surprising was that Jasmine, a member of the Tea Garden whose every action would run counter to Darjeeling's, seconded it.

When the Speaker saw no other motions brought forth, she called out, "Then we vote. Motion A from the Right Honourable Lady Jones, waiving of tuition and fees. As many as are of that opinion: Aye!" pausing to hear the ayes, she nodded to herself, "On the contrary: No!" hearing a number of noes, she shouted "Division! Clear the lobby!"

As the chamber filed out to cast their votes, Darjeeling sat back in her seat since she was absent from voting as the Lady Chancellor was supposed to be neutral. Before she could doze off though, she felt her phone buzz. Seeing that she had a text from Joshua, she opened it.

Josh: Opposite you in Gallery

Darjeeling: :)

Josh: What do you think you'll get?

Darjeeling: dk was surprised Jasmine supported award

Darjeeling: I wanted to ask: think you can have Scott run logistics for team?

Darjeeling: alone?

Josh: possible

Josh: why?

Darjeeling: I'll tell you tonight ;)

Josh: as much as I'd love to, you have school tomorrow and I have work

Darjeeling: :(

Darjeeling sighed as the members of Parliament reentered the room, putting away her phone as they did. She had missed her boyfriend's close contact but it didn't look like she'd get to relax with him after the meeting.

After the last member re-entered the chambers, the speaker was handed a slip of paper. "Order!" she shouted, "The ayes to the right, three hundred and fifty-seven, the noes to the left, one hundred and forty-three. The ayes have it!"

A resounding cheer echoed in the chamber as Darjeeling leaned back in her chair in relief. At the very least, Scott would have a simpler time at St Gloriana without having to worry about the tuition costs. Then the Speaker called out "Motion B from the Honourable Lady Grey, awarding of Special Service Award to the School. As many as are of that opinion: Aye!" she called out, hearing several ayes, "On the contrary: No!" she asked, hearing a large group shout then. "Division! Clear the lobby!"

Darjeeling shut her eyes as everyone filtered out once more. Her phone buzzed again and she pulled it out and saw Joshua had sent another message:

Josh: we were invited for dinner at Scott's

Darjeeling: ?

Darjeeling: why?

Josh: dk but if his lunch was anything to go off of, we're gonna end up in a food coma

Darjeeling: oh?

Josh: yeah, just the smell made Foster and I salivate

Josh: apparently it was some leftover chicken parmesan and smelled absolutely divine even being reheated

Josh: I also invited Assam and Rosehip since Pekoe was already invited

Darjeeling: oh? That's good to know, won't take much for my plan then

Josh: Dar? What are you planning?

Darjeeling: I'll explain later

Putting her phone away again, Darjeeling looked to the Speaker as she rose again. "Order!" the Speaker called, "The ayes to the right, forty-three. The noes to the left, four hundred and fifty-seven. The noes have it!"

Darjeeling wasn't surprised, but she was happy with what she had gotten. As she had no further business for the chamber, and no one else had any either, the Speaker released everyone.

Meeting up with Joshua, they caught a train to the dorm blocks and made their way to the Foreign Exchange Student block. Since Scott was the only student in them, he had free reign over the building and was hosting Pekoe, Assam, Rosehip and Foster in the large communal dining room. "Good evening Mister Hall, Lady Darjeeling." he said, "If you are hungry right now, I've made some garlic bread for an appetizer to hold you over, otherwise, dinner will be in one hour."

Darjeeling raised an eyebrow, "What's for dinner?" she asked.

Scott turned and started walking towards the communal kitchen, "Ziti, a lasagna style pasta dish that my grandmother taught me years ago." he replied, "Which I need to start now." he muttered.

Nodding and walking over to where the others were sitting, they were greeted warmly and Pekoe turned to her sensei. "What all did you manage to get from Parliament?" she asked.

Darjeeling smiled as Joshua fetched some punch for them, "I managed to get them to agree to waive his tuition and fees but a Special Services Award was resoundingly defeated."

Joshua winced, "Forty-three for, four hundred fifty-seven against. Even Parliament back home doesn't get that brutal."

Darjeeling sighed, "The thing was that Jasmine seconded the motion for the award. I thought that Lady Grey was being optimistic but when she came out in support of it I thought my jaw was going to hit the deck."

Foster raised an eyebrow, "Why?" he asked.

Darjeeling rubbed her brow, "Jasmine has opposed every single proposal I have put forward since I became the Lady Chancellor in my first year." she replied before leaning back into the armchair she was sat in. "Seeing as though she put a no vote on the waiving of monies, I guess she finally wanted her name on a successful motion only for it to backfire in a spectacular fashion."

Joshua raised an eyebrow, "Surely she has voted for something that has succeeded before?"

Orange Pekoe shook her head, "Chamber Act 1066b: Formation of the Committee on the St Gloriana Prom, School Year: 2017-18. Passed: 499-1, only vote against was Jasmine." she replied before sighing, "As far as I can tell, if Darjeeling proposes it, she opposes it. And since Darjeeling is one of a handful of people who can propose the agenda for a meeting, you get the idea."

Joshua rubbed his chin, "I remember a Jasmine from our time here," he remarked, nodding to Foster, "But she was a second-year if memory serves right."

Darjeeling frowned, "That year and last year she failed just enough classes to require further education but not enough to be held in Contempt of Parliament. Furthermore, any measures suggested to improve her grades or to punish her for her failing grades are narrowly defeated in Parliament. The closest was 249-251."

They all shook their heads and moved on to happier topics. However, after a time, Scott reappeared in the communal sitting room, "Dinner is ready." he stated before gesturing them to the dining room.

Following him, their noses were assaulted with a smell they could only describe as divine. Scott had plated up the food and their first bites sent their eyes into the back of their heads as their taste buds celebrated. Scott smirked into his cup of tea as he witnessed the telltale signs of enjoyment appear. Pekoe was the first to recover, "Where did you learn to make food like this?" she cried.

Scott smiled, "My grandmother is German and her family was big on food. I will, however, say that the biggest drawback, if it could be considered a drawback, from learning from her was that I have difficulty cooking for a small party."

Joshua looked at him incredulously, "What are you talking about?"

Scott looked sheepish, "You haven't seen the kitchen…" he murmured before taking a deep breath, "There's probably fifteen to twenty servings still in the dish. When I cook for myself, I tend to make five or six days worth of lunches and dinners."

Foster looked at his brother, "I don't think you'll have problems finding people to take your leftovers here." he remarked before chuckling, "Especially since Josh managed to keep his stomach that one time Darjeeling tried to cook for us."

Darjeeling flushed, her cooking skills were dismal if one was being diplomatic and they were legendary on the ship. But Scott chuckled, "Sounds like me when I try and bake something. I once make cookies that were usable as hockey pucks or weapons and since then I've never had a single success when it comes to baking."

Pekoe raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean? I would have thought that a good cook would be a good baker."

Scott shook his head, "Cooking is an art form, Baking is a science. And I'm pants at chemistry."

Leaving it at that, very little was said as everyone was showing the food the respect it deserved and, by the time that everyone finished, Joshua was the last one after having three plates of food. After they finished, Scott went to the kitchen to pack away whatever leftovers there were, which was just enough for him to have lunch tomorrow.

Placing all of the cookware to dry overnight after washing them, he went back out to the sitting room and found most of them fast asleep. Only Joshua was still awake. "You know," Scott began, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were part Hobbit."

Joshua chuckled quietly, "I wish." he murmured in reply. After a moment's silence, he spoke again, "You don't mind the company?" he asked.

Scott shook his head, "Building was designed for a hundred or so Foreign Exchange Students, so I don't mind not being the only one in the building, though I will return to my room for the night."

Joshua nodded and leaned back as Scott traversed to his dorm room and laid down on his bed and surrendered to restful sleep. His dreams filled with the ginger-haired girl he shared dinner with.