In the warm, safe and comfortable inner housing of Knapford Sheds, with a dark and peaceful night lingering outside, there were three engines sleeping peacefully and harmoniously together. Thomas, Emily, and her Stirling brother Bernard. Only this very evening, Bernard had arrived on Sodor after hearing all the news of his sister's golden honour, dignity and new title and number on the Island of Sodor. Emily couldn't be more pleased with the reward of having her brother back with her, and after seeing each other again a year and a half ago on her first big adventure with David, here Bernard was on Sodor for the very first time with his No. 12 sister.

And so, for a few hours into the night, all three engines slept peacefully and still. But then Emily's ears picked up a little sense of heavy breathing and a few yawns. She opened her eyes and wondered what could be going on. She looked and saw that Thomas was still asleep. But then she heard another deep breath to her left. She looked and here was Bernard. His eyes were open and he was looking about the sheds, then to her as he could hardly keep his eyes open anyway. As he yawned again, Emily wondered what he was doing up again.

"Bernard? What are you doing up?" Emily whispered. "Is anything wrong? It's only your first night on Sodor."

Bernard looked at Emily with a slightly longing look.

"I...I know, Emily...I...but I don't want this to be all just a dream," Bernard whispered. "I know it sounds silly, but...this is all such a blessed gift, I can't help but feel the sensation that I'll wake up and I'll be back at York Station again. I've been so buzzed to see you again, I can't help but feel..."

"Bernard, my brother. This is no dream at all," Emily assured. "You will wake up, and you will be right here, with me, your beautiful emerald sister. Your No. 12 sister. I promise you, my brother. We have a whole visit to enjoy together starting tomorrow."

"I...I know, Emily," Bernard whispered. "I know that to be true, and you speak more truly for me than anyone ever can."

"Very good. Goodnight, Bernard," Emily whispered.

Bernard just smiled and yawned once more. And so Emily and Bernard fell back asleep again, and slept on through the night alongside Thomas, wondering in the deepest reaches of their drowsy minds what they could to when morning came, and what the next few days would bring. Be it pleasant, fun, serious or prominent, it would all be spent together as brother and sister, and they would make the very best they could out of all they could to together...

With the passage of night, morning came again, and Thomas, Emily and her navy brother were all still nestled together inside the shed until the sunrise slowly began peaking its way into the sheds. Emily felt it first as she slowly felt sleep lifting away from her boiler. Then her eyes began to flicker open, and when they trailed to her left and she saw the bufferbeam that looked so very like hers, she smiled dearly, then gave such a deep yawn.

"It's no dream," she whispered. "There he is. Right here for all of us to enjoy, for as long as he can be here."

Then Emily's heart fluttered happily as she saw Bernard slowly start to wake up. His distinct eyebrows began to flicker ever-so slightly as his eyes slowly began to lift open too. Then just like Emily, he saw the coming sunlight through the window. For just a brief second or two, he thought he was back at York Station and that his arrival on Sodor was merely a very vivid dream...but then he turned his eyes to his right, and there she was. His sweet, beautiful emerald sister right there beside him, ready to wish him good morning and start their very first full day together after so, so long. This made Bernard begin to smile immediately to his sister.

"Good morning, my navy brother," Emily said with such a glowing sisterly warmth in her voice. Then she smooched her lips and blew him a kiss.

Bernard could feel his memory of the previous day flowing back to him as he thought for a moment himself. Then he smiled from buffer to buffer as he remembered just how happy his sister looked to see him...and even more so since he could now see beyond any inkling of doubt that this was indeed no dream. He looked right into Emily's glimmering eyes, then blew her a kiss too.

"Good morning, my sweet, emerald sister," Bernard replied with such a humble, brotherly tone in his voice, which made Emily smile more.

"So...your first full day on Sodor begins, Bernard. How did you sleep, my brother?" Emily asked.

"Hmm...my goodness, Emily. It's the warmest and best sleep I've had since you and I saw each other last on your big adventure with David."

"Well, however many nights we spend together on this visit of yours, they'll all be warm and close together with us," Emily assured.

"I know they will, Emily," said Bernard.

At that moment, the two Stirlings heard another yawn. They looked and saw that Thomas had woken up himself. He looked around the sheds, then to Emily first, then beyond her, and there was her brother. Thomas gave a proud smile to see him again and could already start thinking what they'd be doing together today and for the next few days.

"Good morning, my angel...and her perfect brother," Thomas greeted. "So your visit truly begins today."

"Hm-hm. Good morning, Tommy," Emily smiled. "And yes, so it does."

What Emily said to Thomas caught Bernard's attention. "Tommy? I don't believe I've heard anyone refer to Thomas such as that."

"Oh, of course, Bernard," said Emily. "It's my little pet name I gave Thomas way back when we first had our first date ever."

"Hmm. Tommy. I like it," said Bernard. "Charming and cute, just like he really is for my sister."

"Well...thank you, Bernard," said Thomas. "But when Emily first gave me that name, I didn't quite like it. I felt for sure that the engines would tease me over it, although I eventually gave in and came to like it...and the other engines did come to see that secret be slipped, but it worked out well in the end."

"That's good," said Bernard. "Now...the day is arriving, and I think we'd better start my visit with you, Emily."

"Gladly, Bernard," Emily smiled. "Let's get to it, then."

And so the three engines' crews arrived and got them ready, then they made their way out of the sheds, right into the morning light, wondering just what they'd be doing today. Then they looked and saw the Fat Controller coming along with his timetable. He looked up and saw the three engines all gathered together and gave a nod to them all.

"Good morning, sir," the three engines all said together.

"Good morning to the three of you," said the Fat Controller. "I hope you've all had a potent night's sleep. Especially you, Bernard. What is it like to be back here with your sister, on Sodor for the first time?"

"Oh, sir. We all slept wonderfully," said Bernard. "And whatever happens today, I'd really like to spend it with my sister if I can."

"I see," said the Fat Controller. "Well, if you wish to work with your sister, Bernard, I think you're in luck. Emily, it's now been your three days with passenger service, which means it's back to goods trains for you again for four more days. As you well know, this means you'll be back on full standby to fetch Rocky, should anything happen. Today you have goods to collect from here until their last delivery to Kellsthorpe Road. There is also a small train of safety supplies waiting there that must go to the Search and Rescue Centre on your way back. Be sure to keep an eye out for anything that needs your attention."

Emily knew this would come along as part of her newfound schedule, and she was all too ready to do her part. It also gave her an idea.

"I'm ready and set, sir," said Emily. "And perhaps Bernard could come along with me, so as to let him see what it might be like?"

"That is exactly what I was thinking, Emily," said the Fat Controller. "Let him come along and see just what his sister does as our safety engine. And should anything happen, perhaps he can help you too. A Stirling Duo, you might say."

Thomas looked right at Emily and Bernard as they gave the Fat Controller a swelling smile then looked to each other. What better way to start off their first full day together than this?

"Goodness, sir. I would adore seeing how Emily does it," Bernard smiled. "Thank you!"

"Indeed, Bernard," Emily beamed. "I'm sure he'd love to see how I do it, sir! Thank you!"

"Of course he would," said the Fat Controller. "Now, Thomas. It's onto your Branch Line for you. Emily and Bernard shall be working brother to sister today."

"Yes, sir," said Thomas. "Well, good luck to both of you, and enjoy your first full day here, Bernard. Be sure to make the very best of it all."

"The very best is all I can make of it, Thomas," said Bernard. "The best to make with the best engine ever for me. None other than my No. 12 sister."

"And the very best is what I'll make for my perfect brother," Emily smiled. "Well, I suppose it's time we all get the day started."

While the Fat Controller made his way back to the station, Thomas left to collect Annie and Clarabel and make ready, while Emily and Bernard made ready to collect her goods train waiting in a nearby siding. Thomas watched as Emily gathered her train and Bernard kept right beside her until they waited at Platforms 1 and 2.

"So, you're off to be a Stirling Duo, are you?" Thomas asked.

"We are, Thomas," said Emily. "Bernard and I shall be working together and reconnecting even more."

"And to do so with my No. 12 safety engine could not be under better circumstances," said Bernard.

"Well, you two have a most delightful Stirling Duo for today," said Thomas as he set off down the line.

Emily and Bernard watched Thomas leave, then looked right to each other with a glimmer in their eyes and a keen sense of reconnecting with each other, to see just what this day would bring. As soon as Emily's guard whistle blew, she winked to Bernard and set off on her way. Then Bernard followed.

"Oh! Hey, Emily? Wait for me," Bernard whistled as he came alongside her. "I'm going your way too."

"Well. Let's go together then, brother," Emily replied.

And so they did. Emily and Bernard set off down the line together as their own Stirling duo as brother and sister. As they huffed along the line, Emily watched as Bernard gazed left, right, up and down to everything around them, from the rolling hills to the lush trees to the winding roads. She could see he was already becoming most enthralled with the whole railway wherever he went.

"So, you're liking Sodor already, are you, Bernard?" Emily observed. "What do you think?"

"Goodness me, Emily," said Bernard. "Sodor is much greener and lusher than York Station itself, and it's not too different than all the stretches of England and Scotland I travelled to meet you, David and Beatrice at Mallaig Station when you found her at last."

"Well, it's certainly smaller than the Mainland, Bernard, but it's still full of wonders," said Emily.

"I'm sure it is," said Bernard. "Anyway, Emily. As the Fat Controller told you what to do today, I think I can now clearly ask. Now that you're Sodor's Safety Engine, exactly what does it entail? How exactly does your schedule work?"

Emily perked up to Bernard's question and was all too ready to answer her brother.

"Oh, well, it's quite an interesting setup for me, Bernard. Here's how it works for me. Ever since the Fat Controller declared me this title, my timetable is now a permanent pattern of goods trains three to four days a week, and passengers three to four days a week. Since I am now taking goods again right now, my eyes and ears need to be more attentive than ever. If I see any potential hazard, derailment or hear the emergency siren, I must leave my trucks at the next station or siding I see, go to the Rescue Centre and hear if Rocky or workmen are needed, go to the site of the hazard, resolve it, take Rocky back, then go back for my goods. And so this shall go on for the next two or three days."

"Alright, then," said Bernard. "And what to do with passengers? Surely you can't leave them for Rocky. Otherwise, they'd miss their trains."

"Exactly, Bernard," said Emily. "With passengers, I don't need to fetch Rocky myself, but if any emergency comes along, I am to alert the first engine I see to get Rocky. Preferably an engine with goods trains, and that is the only engine to go for Rocky then. I also have the added duty of watching for faulty signals, jammed level crossings and what have you, and reporting on them if necessary."

"I see," said Bernard. "It all sounds very productive and busy indeed for my lovely sister. In fact...I almost hope something may happen today, Emily. So I can see how you think on your wheels and solve problems. I now know you do that so beautifully."

"Hm-hm...well, I do, Bernard," said Emily. "Perhaps you'll be lucky and get to see how I do it."

"Oh, I do hope so, Emily," Bernard winked.

At that point, Emily looked ahead and could see Crosby Station up ahead, with two more trucks for her to pick up and add to her train. She and Bernard made their way to the station and Bernard watched as Emily worked to gather her trucks. The stationmaster waved welcome to Bernard, who smiled politely back. Then Emily gathered her trucks together and was ready to keep going. She whistled on her way again, and Bernard followed.

"So, Bernard," said Emily. "How has everything been going along at York since we last saw each other?"

"Busy as usual, Emily," said Bernard. "And just as you wished for me when you, David and Beatrice left to return to Sodor, I have indeed been working hard and being really useful there...until now I can do the same with you again."

"Well, we've all been working hard here too," said Emily. "Once we find the time, I have quite a deal of things to tell you about Thomas, myself, and even Percy."

"Well, I look forward to whenever that chance comes, Emily," said Bernard.

The Stirling Duo huffed onwards side by side until Bernard looked ahead and saw another station. He turned to Emily again and she spoke up as she collected two more trucks to add to her train.

"This is Wellsworth, Bernard," said Emily. "It's the start of Edward's Branch Line, and he now sleeps here with Philip, a little diesel boxcab. Edward has slept at Tidmouth Sheds for as long as anyone can remember, and only a few years ago, James rushed about with faulty brakes and crashed right into those sheds. Edward tried sleeping at these sheds, but he decided to come here with Philip...but Philip can be quite chatty, and so Edward didn't get any sleep. Eventually the sheds were fixed, but Edward decided to move here since it's right at the start of his Branch Line."

"Hmm. That sounds like a clever move," said Bernard. "Who slept in his place then?"

Emily had gathered her trucks together and she set off again. Bernard followed alongside her, and she made her answer.

"Well, Bernard. There's another yellow engine besides Rebecca called Molly...she's actually James' love figure, and she slept at the sheds for a while. Then both when Thomas left for his journey beyond Sodor, then on his first big adventure, Edward briefly came back to the sheds to bear us company until Thomas would return...until it became apparent that Thomas wouldn't be back for a while yet during his adventure, so he moved back here indefinitely. Then Molly left the sheds too, moving to Crovan's Gate so Nia could move in."

Bernard had heard everything Emily said and was already rather enthralled. "Well, Emily. That is quite interesting indeed."

"It is indeed, Bernard," said Emily. "After Nia moved in, Gordon was a little remiss about Edward not coming back, and then Henry decided to move to Vicarstown Sheds to be closer to his Mainland duties. Gordon took it quite personally, but he got over it soon enough...until Rebecca came along."

"Goodness me," said Bernard. "That is quite a story right there, Emily. Engines move in and move out, but it seems you and I got over our separation in no time at all when we saw each other again at York."

"Perhaps we did, Bernard," said Emily. "And now here you are, with all of us to bear you company, my brother."

"And under the very best circumstances for my sister," Bernard winked. "You know, Emily...perhaps once you're done with your goods, maybe you could show me a little more of Sodor...as well as keep an open eye and ear for anywhere else that may need your attentive intuition?"

"Hmm...maybe I could, Bernard," said Emily. "You never know what could come up at any given moment, even though emergencies don't happen often."

Bernard gave a little nod to Emily. Then she saw him look ahead, gasp and widen his eyes. Emily wondered if he saw anything she had to take note of. But then she looked at just what was in front of them. For Bernard, it was quite true that he didn't know what could come up at any given moment. There they were, at the start of Gordon's Hill.

"Whoa, Emily...is this what the storybooks say it is? Gordon's Hill?" Bernard asked.

"Oh. Of course. That's exactly right, Bernard," said Emily. "The biggest hill on Sodor. It bears plenty of stories for all of us. Even Gordon himself got stuck on it with those trucks way back in the storybook's beginning days."

"Of course. Everyone talked about it even on the Mainland," said Bernard. "But this hill can't beat anyone just so long as they keep going, just like you do as Sodor's safety engine. These trucks can't hold Sodor's Safety Engine back in the very least. Especially when she has her brother right here with her. Shall I switch to your track and help push?"

"Oh, what a gentlemanly brother," Emily smiled. "Please do, Bernard. Let's climb together."

So Bernard did. He reversed back to the next line of points he could find and switched to Emily's line. Then he buffered up to her brakevan and gave a whistle to his sister. Emily whistled back and they started off together. Bernard pushed onwards behind Emily and began to push up Gordon's Hill with Emily. Now they really were a Stirling Duo.

"That's right, Bernard. Push hard and true. Onwards and forwards," Emily coaxed. "We can do it."

"We WILL do it," Bernard huffed from behind.

As they made their way up the hill, Bernard could feel the incline on his wheels increase quite quickly. In all his years on the Great Northern Railway, he could not recall feeling any hills this steep and this high before. But with Emily pulling and him pushing, there was nothing the Stirling Duo couldn't do. Emily knew this hill just as well as the other engines. She felt the steep climb, but with Bernard pushing from behind, it was almost nothing to her.

"Keep going, Bernard," Emily called back. "Onwards and forwards!"

"I've got you, Emily," Bernard called back. "Onwards and forwards!"

Clouds of smoke and steam billowed from the Stirling Duo as they huffed onwards up the hill until Emily came to the top and slowed down a little, so as to let Bernard look all around and see the view for himself. He could see the hill leading right back down the other side, and beyond that, he could see the sea.

"Whoa! This is a most panoramic view, Emily!" Bernard whistled.

"Of course it is, Bernard," said Emily. "It's always a good feeling to get to the top of this hill, and going back down can be quite fun!"

"Hmm. Time for a slide," said Bernard.

"Well. Going down!" Emily announced as she set off back down the hill with Bernard right behind her.

Both engines whistled and cheered excitedly as they slid down the hill together then glided right around the bend until they slowed down and resumed their steady pace again until they came to a red signal and stopped. Bernard was uncoupled from Emily's brakevan and as soon as the signal showed clear, he switched back to the line beside her and came up alongside.

"That was fun, Emily," said Bernard. "What did you think?"

"Oh, I enjoyed that, Bernard," said Emily. "And I'm happy you did too!"

It wasn't long before Emily and Bernard made it to Maron Station. There, there was only one truck waiting to be picked up. As they made their way toward the station, Emily couldn't help but look to the water tower and suddenly feel a little flash of memory as to just what happened here between her and David...and she began to wonder how Bernard would take it if she came to tell him.

Bernard looked and could see Emily eyeing that water tower rather intently and wondered if her safety engine antics were at work.

"What is it, Emily?" Bernard asked. "Is there something wrong with that water tower?"

Emily hummed softly to herself, then looked to Bernard again. "Mmm...no, Bernard. It...it's nothing."

"Come now, Emily," said Bernard. "No secrets. If it has a story to tell, why not bring it forth with me sometime tonight, or what have you?"

Emily looked to Bernard, hiding her inner thoughts as best she could. "Well...perhaps I can tell you once the time is right. For now, we have a day to enjoy."

"Very well, Emily. I'm enjoying today thoroughly with you," Bernard replied.

And soon enough, they set off on their way again toward Cronk Station. Bernard and Emily then fell silent for a while, exchanging smiles and little winks to each other as they kept on their way. Emily began to wonder if anything would come to happen that would need her safety engine attention. Ever since she gained the title and number, nothing had happened throughout her passenger duties, and now with her goods run, she wondered if Bernard would indeed get a chance to see her safety engine aspect in motion.

Then, only a few minutes later, that first chance arrived. Emily and Bernard were passing by a signal junction not far from Cronk, when Bernard suddenly heard a jolting sound nearby.

"Hey, Emily. What's that?" Bernard asked. "Do you hear that?"

Emily suddenly listened intently, and she could hear the clanking, jolting sound coming from above. Then she looked to the oncoming signals, and saw just what she needed to address. There were two signals that were supposed to be setting to clear, but its faulty performance kept it pointing at danger.

"Uh-oh," said Bernard. "Looks like you have a signal to report on, Emily."

"Indeed, Bernard. That looks like a faulty signal," said Emily. "That could cause an accident. I'd better report it immediately."

Emily looked ahead and could see the signal box right there. Bernard watched as she stopped and whistled to the signalman inside. He came out of the signal box and right up to Emily.

"Safety Engine Emily. I hope you saw that faulty signal," he said.

"I did, sir," said Emily. "And it's a good thing I showed up when I did. That faulty signal could cause an accident. You'd best tell Sir Topham Hatt and get a repairman over here to fix it."

"Of course, Emily," said the signalman. "I'll get right to it. And I'll place red flags nearby so as to warn any oncoming engines. I see you and your brother are running along together."

"We are, sir," said Bernard. "On our way to Kellsthorpe Road to make our delivery, then we're off to the Rescue Centre together."

"Well, you're both running to schedule," said the signalman. "You two are safe to carry on, and thank you, Emily, for reporting on this at once."

"Just doing what I must as Sodor's Safety Engine," Emily replied as she and Bernard set off again.

When they arrived at Cronk Station, Bernard was quite intrigued by what he had just seen Emily do and how she managed the situation.

"Well, Emily," he said. "I'm sure other engines had come across faulty signals like that, but I love the way you handled that situation. Quick, precise and to the point."

"Exactly, Bernard. Thank you," said Emily. "So it seems like a little thing did happen for you to see how I perform as the safety engine."

"Indeed, I did," said Bernard. "Perhaps something else will happen to let me see a little more."

"I'd like that, Bernard," said Emily. "Now our next stop is Kildane Station, then it's Kellsthorpe...and onto the Rescue Centre. Perhaps you can meet the rescue vehicles there."

"I'd like that, Emily," Bernard agreed.

So he and Emily huffed on together, collecting trucks from Kildane Station, then carrying onwards. Bernard looked with Emily to see if there were any other little things to look out for and address, and sure enough, as they neared their way to Kellsthorpe Road, Bernard looked to the right and saw a field of sheep.

"Emily, look. There's a field of sheep," he said.

"Yes, Bernard. Those are Farmer McColl's sheep," said Emily. "And...oh, my goodness! Look, Bernard!"

Bernard looked and saw just what Emily was looking at. The field fence was broken open and there were few sheep starting to wander closer to the line. Before Bernard could say another word, Emily spoke up again.

"That looks like a broken fence," she observed. "The sheep could stray onto the tracks. I'd better warn Farmer McColl."

So Emily gave a whistle, ushering the sheep back toward their field. Then just beyond that, Emily and Bernard saw the farm itself. Emily stopped again and whistled a few times to alert Farmer McColl. Soon he came into sight with Katie running right alongside him until they were right by the line.

"Hello, Emily," said Farmer McColl. "I heard your whistle...and who is this? He looks just like you, Emily...only a fine shade of navy blue."

"Hm-hm!" Emily chortled. "Meet my brother Bernard. He's come to visit his No. 12 sister and safety engine."

"Hello, sir," said Bernard. "And speaking of safety, Emily came to warn you, Farmer McColl. Your sheep's fence is broken and some of the sheep are starting to wander."

"Oh. Thank you for telling me, Bernard," said Farmer McColl. "I'd best get those sheep back inside and get to patching up that fence. And thank you, Emily."

"You're very welcome, sir," Emily smiled.

"Take care and keep it safe," Bernard added.

And while Farmer McColl set off with Katie to retrieve the sheep and repair the fence, Emily and Bernard carried onward until they reached Kellsthorpe Road Station, where their goods deliveries were now finished. Emily felt good to be spending the day with Bernard so far. She had not spent an entire day with him like this ever since they first worked together in the first years of her life, and both of them really loved how it felt to do it again.

"Well, Bernard," said Emily. "Are you enjoying our little Stirling Duo today?"

"Immensely, Emily," said Bernard. "It's just like the days we always spent together at York when your life first ever began, and doing it again with your number and title of the railway is such a gift for me to be granted."

"Thank you, Bernard," Emily smiled. "For today, there's nothing I like more than seeing your handsome, friendly face smiling away to your No. 12 sister."

And Emily blew Bernard a sisterly kiss, making him blush and chortle and blow a kiss to her in turn.

"You're such a sweet sister, Emily," Bernard smiled. "Now, perhaps we should find those safety supplies and bring them to the Search and Rescue Centre...and introduce me to that place too. I'd like to see who else works there."

"Proudly, Bernard," Emily replied.

The stationmaster came out and nodded to Emily's delivery of goods. Then he pointed toward three trucks covered with tarpaulins to protect the safety supplies. This was the train Emily would have to take to the Search and Rescue Centre and introduce Bernard to the rescue vehicles. Emily gathered her trucks together, then looked back.

"Now...how will we get to the Search and Rescue Centre, Emily?" Bernard asked. "Do we go onwards, or double back?"

"We'll have to double back, Bernard," said Emily. "And carefully too. You know how it isn't safe for tender engines to go fast backwards."

"I do know, Emily," said Bernard. "Perhaps there's a wye line somewhere that cane turn us back around."

"There is, Bernard," said Emily. "As long as we're careful going back, we'll be absolutely fine."

So Emily gave a whistle and carefully set off backwards down the line. Bernard reversed carefully too, keeping beside Emily and making sure nothing happened. A few minutes later, they did find a wye line and Emily got right to using it. Bernard watched as she reversed up one way, then came to the straight top of the line, then switched to the other line and was now huffing onwards and forwards again. She whistled with approval to Bernard and he used the wye line too. Then he was facing onwards and forwards too and came back alongside Emily.

"There we go, Bernard," Emily smiled. "Take care and keep it safe."

"That we did, Emily," said Bernard. "Now let's get those supplies to the Search and Rescue Centre."

"Of course, Bernard. Right this way," Emily whistled as she and Bernard carried on back down the line.

Eventually, Bernard and Emily made their way to the line that would lead to the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre. Bernard began to wonder what it would be like and couldn't help but ask his sister a little more.

"So, Emily...what is this Search and Rescue Centre like?" he asked. "Big? Busy?"

"Well, it's a big place, Bernard," said Emily. "All the rescue vehicles stand by, waiting for any emergency, and for either me or any engine I send forth to get Rocky, workmen or whatever else is required for the emergencies that come about. We all helped to have it built...and since Diesel lost a special wood called Jobi wood to help finish the Centre, Thomas was sent to the Mainland for more wood, but the raft he rode on broke away from the ship and got him stranded at a place called Misty Island, some miles off Sodor's coast."

"Misty Island? What's it like?" Bernard asked.

"Mysterious and a little unusual," said Emily. "There live three engines there called the Logging Locos, Bash, Dash and Ferdinand. None of us have seen them for many years, but they helped Thomas get to know the island and they helped him back home again. I was so very worried I had lost Thomas after he separated from that ship, and I could never be happier than I was at the time to see him come back safely."

"I'm sure you were happy," said Bernard. "And especially so when you heard I'd be coming here."

"Oh, yes, Bernard," Emily smiled sweetly. "And don't worry. We'll have so much to share and do together...and look, Bernard! Here it is!"

Bernard looked ahead, and there it was for him to see. The Search and Rescue Centre. Bernard could see it all. The garage, the engine shed, the Rescue Centre office, Harold was on his helicopter pad, and Bernard could see Captain's boathouse. And right on the line beside the Stirling Duo, Rocky was there waiting for any sign of emergency so Emily could take him along. Belle, Flynn and Butch were waiting too for the delivery of safety supplies. Then they looked up and saw Emily arrive with their delivery...and another Stirling right with her.

"Hello, Rocky, Belle and Flynn. I brought you the safety supplies," said Emily.

"Hello, Emily," Rocky greeted. "Right on time, I see. And...well, whoever is this? Another Stirling?"

Bernard looked a little bashfully among the rescue vehicles, then to Emily, as if he were asking for a little coax. Emily winked and spoke.

"Indeed it is, Rocky," said Emily. "This is my brother Bernard. He's staying with us for a visit and letting me reconnect further with him, as the pinnacle of my reward to being Safety Engine."

"Well...hello, Bernard," said Rocky. "A pleasure to meet the safety engine's brother."

"Hello, Rocky," said Bernard. "Delighted to meet Sodor's rescue crane. And hello to the rest of you...the helicopter. Harold, I trust?"

"Indeed, chap," said Harold.

"And these two fire engines," said Bernard. "You are..."

"Big Belle. Welcome to Sodor, Bernard," Belle greeted.

"And Fiery Flynn," said Flynn. "Pleased to meet Emily's brother."

"And I'm Butch. Welcome, Bernard," said Butch. "We heard something about Emily's brother paying her a visit...and you look like a very fine Stirling indeed."

"Thank you, Belle, Flynn and Butch," Bernard smiled. "I've just been having a lovely day with Emily so far. It's just like how we worked together at York."

"Indeed it is, Bernard," said Emily. "So. I brought the supplies, everyone. No serious emergencies so far today. A faulty signal out on the line, reported upon, and Farmer McColl's fence was broken, and I've warned him too. So no worries on either of those."

"Very good," said Rocky. "But just in case you need us, Emily, we're ready."

"So am I, Rocky," said Emily. "Now Bernard and I must get going now. Good day to you all."

And Emily and Bernard whistled to the Rescue Team and set off through the Rescue Centre grounds on their way back to the Main Line...but in these passing moments, there suddenly came a big and unexpected surprise that neither Emily nor Bernard were expecting today.

As they set off from the Search and Rescue Centre, they were both wondering what would happen next for the day...when it suddenly happened. Bernard and Emily were passing the neighbouring ridge along the line, when presently, there was a scuffling, rustling sound of loose rock and mortar along the ridge. Emily suddenly felt very alert and looked right to the ridge with Bernard. Loose rock and mortar were falling from the ridge above. Bernard suddenly began to feel that something wasn't right.

"Emily...what is that?" he asked carefully.

"That looks like loose rock," Emily replied, sounding noticeably alert. Then she looked up. "That could turn into a...a rock slide!"

Bernard suddenly felt his sibling sensation vanish and his heart jump into his throat as he looked up. The clattering got louder, and Emily was right! There was a large boulder nestled at the top of the cliff, and it suddenly began sliding down, right toward the line.

"Oh, no! Oh, no! Look out, Emily!" Bernard cried out rather frightfully. "Watch out for that boulder! Look out!"

Emily saw it, but then she and Bernard heard a whistle coming around the bend, and more trouble lay ahead. With a whole train of passengers...Bernard and Emily saw him! Before Bernard could speak again, Emily suddenly rushed ahead of him, and on towards who was coming along.

"Oh, no! Gordon! Sto-o-op!" Emily urged frantically.

"Emily! What on Earth?!" Gordon gasped.

"Careful, Emily! Please!" Bernard begged.

"Stay back, Bernard!" Emily ordered as she rushed onwards.

Gordon's driver reduced steam and braked hard, as did Emily's driver. She managed to stop, then Gordon stopped too. He almost asked Emily just what was going on, when that giant boulder suddenly cascaded down the ridge. Bernard saw it too as it landed from the ridge, then crashed right onto the line, breaking apart as it did! Then there was silence.

Gordon, Emily and Bernard were all astounded by what had almost happened. None of them saw this coming, and it could have turned into a nasty accident. Even Bernard didn't expect something this big and this sudden to come along, but it did...and by his funnel, did Emily sort it out in the best way she could! As Bernard began to smile and pant most astonishingly, the shock and urgency turned to relief and gratitude.

"Thank you, Emily!" Gordon announced grandly. "That was quick thinking!"

"I'm glad you're safe, Gordon," Emily stated proudly.

Bernard had seen everything that had just happened. His heart began racing and his wheels began to wobble with such surprise, pride and admiration for what his sister could do through her quick thinking and problem-solving abilities, and it suddenly made his reunion with her all the more fascinating. He came up along the line beside her, and Emily could see his axles shaking with great surprise and adrenaline to what he had just seen his sister do. Emily then decided to work it in.

"Well? What do you think, Bernard?" Emily asked playfully. "How's about that for a safety engine, thinking on her wheels and solving problems?"

Bernard said nothing at first, not knowing just what to say at all...then he let it out slowly, but strongly.

"That...was...AMAZING!" he whistled loudly and proudly. "Emily, my dear sister, you are a MARVEL!"

"Oh, she's more than that, Bernard!" Gordon announced proudly. "She's our beautiful emerald guardian, just as Thomas said."

"Thank you, Bernard and Gordon," Emily smiled in turn. "And it looks like it's a good thing you came along, Bernard. With my line blocked behind me, perhaps you should go and fetch Rocky for us?"

"Oh, yes, of course. Anything to oblige my sister for her quick thinking!" Bernard smiled as he reversed back along the line.

In almost no time at all, Bernard came back with Rocky and the Rescue Centre Manager, with Butch beside the line, who were both ready to clear the mess right away. They too had heard just what had happened out here and were quite surprised.

"Goodness! We heard what just happened out here, Emily," said Rocky. "We weren't expecting that to happen...well, it's a good thing you delivered our safety supplies when you did, No. 12 safety engine."

"Oh, indeed, Rocky," said Emily. "Bernard and I just saw those rocks beginning to fall...then Gordon came along."

"Well, let's get to it at once," said Butch.

All three engines watched as Rocky tirelessly hauled the pieces of boulder away from the line. Butch hauled the smaller pieces away while Rocky placed the bigger pieces out of the way to be managed later.

"Well. Good work, Bernard," said Emily. "You're certainly quite safety-minded yourself to have kept out of the way of that boulder, and bringing Rocky along."

"Thank you. You were brave, Emily," said Bernard. "So very brave, just like you and David were when you faced up against Diesel 10 at the Glenfinnan Viaduct."

"Indeed we are brave, Bernard," said Emily. "And so are you. What was it like to see me rush into action?"

"Inspiring is much too tiny a word for what you just did, Emily," said Bernard. "Just wait until Thomas hears about this...and the Fat Controller too!"

"Oh, yes, Bernard. Not to mention David and Beatrice," said Emily. "I'm sure they'll jump at the chance to see us about this little experience."

"We'll telephone Sir Topham Hatt at once, Emily," said the Rescue Centre Manager. "You and Bernard have done very well today, and you should be proud."

Before long, the track was clear, and Gordon was on his way again, bearing a smile of thanks to Emily and Bernard as he passed by. Bernard returned Rocky to the Centre, then he and Emily continued on their way. Their hearts began to beat heavily in their boilers as they exchanged a big smile to each other over what had just happened.

"Well...this is quite a first day, isn't it, Bernard?" Emily remarked. "Faulty signals reported on, Farmer McColl's broken fence to alert him for...then a rock slide to save Gordon and his passengers from, all while having you right along with me...it's astounding!"

"Well, this is much more than I was expecting today," said Bernard. "I got to see just how quick my sister thinks and how she can solve problems right in the spur of the moment. I can tell this will be a visit to remember!"

"I know it will be, Bernard," Emily smiled as they whistled together and carried on for their way back to Knapford.

Eventually, Bernard and Emily made their way back to Knapford Yards, still smiling away to each other. They'd had quite a day together and they now felt even more strongly connected after so much time apart. What started out as a simple day of reconnecting turned out to be a rather exciting day, all with Bernard seeing how his sister's aspect of safety engine really worked. All he could wonder was what would be next.

Then they heard Thomas' whistle up ahead at the station. Bernard and Emily looked and saw him smiling away to his angel and her brother. They began to suspect that he had come to hear what had happened just today. But before either Stirling could ask Thomas, they looked to Platform 1 and saw the Fat Controller standing there with quite a smile on his face too. Bernard and Emily were very sure that he had come to hear the news too, just as the Rescue Manager had said. Then as the Stirling Duo stopped at the platform, they saw Bertie outside the station, and David and Beatrice came right out, walking quickly to the platform. One glance to their faces told Emily that they too had heard the news.

Thomas then came along the platform beside Emily and smiled from buffer to buffer to the spread of word he had come to hear. David and Beatrice looked to each other, then right to the Stirling Duo. Emily then decided to break the silence and see what they all had to say.

"Well. Hello, everyone," said Emily. "I...I see you're all steadily proud about something or other...have you heard...?"

The Fat Controller raised his hand, which made Emily go quiet. He stepped a little closer, then spoke.

"Well...if this is all a dream, I'll eat my hat. Spectacular efforts, Emily!" the Fat Controller beamed. "I've heard everything you and Bernard have done today...and just what you've done as to being our Safety Engine. The signalman near Cronk Station told me about the faulty signal you spotted, and now that signal is working again. Farmer McColl's' fence is fixed and his sheep are all safe...and I heard all about what happened at the Search and Rescue Centre with Gordon! You acted so quickly and thought so precisely, you stopped a most potentially terrible accident. It's indeed plain as plain can be for everyone to see that we can always count on you, Emily!"

Emily's boiler bubbled with pride, as did Bernard's. They both smiled immensely to all they had just heard.

"As I said before, you can indeed, sir!" Emily answered the Fat Controller. "And Thomas! Hello again. Have you-?"

"Cinders and ASHES!" Thomas whistled with sheer amazement. "I knew you and Bernard would be working together today, Emily. But I didn't think all of that would happen so Bernard could see just how his No. 12 Safety Engine sister can think on her wheels and solve problems. I heard the little word that got around throughout today, and I simply cannot believe what being our Safety Engine has brought about for you, my love."

"Well, Thomas, I have indeed seen how Emily does it," said Bernard. "And I am truly very happy to see just how my sister manages everything. Wouldn't you agree, David and Beatrice?"

David stepped forward, right to Emily's running plate and trailed his fingers along her cheek to tickle her. Emily jumped and giggled softly.

"Mm-hm-hm-hm-hm! David!" she tittered. David then held her cheek and began petting it softly.

"Excellent Emerald Emily," David announced. "You never cease to amaze! Sir Topham Hatt called us only recently about all he had come to learn, and I do not know what words to bring forth about all of this except...well done, and we are endlessly proud of you!"

"What a first day to spend with your brother too!" Beatrice added. "And you helped her too, Bernard. What was it all like?"

"Oh, David and Beatrice," Bernard smiled. "Today brought about more than I could have expected, and Emily should be so proud of herself! Reporting on the faulty signals, helping Farmer McColl's sheep, then rescuing Gordon and his passengers from that rock slide! This has been such an astonishing first day of my visit!"

"Well, you've both done very, very well," said the Fat Controller. "You are both most responsible, reliable, sensible and really useful engines."

"Thank you so very much, sir," Bernard and Emily said together.

"Well, you two have had a most amazing day," said David. "I know you'll both sleep well tonight, as will we. Enjoy the evening to come, you two."

"Yes, Emily and Bernard," said Beatrice. "We've both been busy too, and we must go about our own business. But we will be back to hear more as your visit carries on, Bernard."

And so David and Beatrice returned to Bertie and made their way home while the Fat Controller tipped his hat to the Stirling Duo and made his way back to his office. Now Thomas, Emily and Bernard were in each other's company again. Now that their day was done, they wondered what they could do. Emily could see that Thomas was eager to hear all the details as to what happened for his angel and her brother, and Emily and Bernard knew they wanted to do this too.

"So...I see that the Stirling Duo has come home after a most astonishing first full day together," said Thomas. "What shall we all do?"

Emily looked to Bernard, still putting together her little idea. Bernard thought a little to what Thomas said, then spoke.

"Well, Thomas. Today has been such a day, I'd love to share it all with you, as well as hear a few more little stories if I can. What do you think, Emily? Our day is over. Perhaps you'd like to tell a few stories to your brother, as we planned?"

"You did, Bernard?" Thomas asked. "Well, if you'd like, we have a lot to tell you that has happened since you and Emily last saw each other. Don't we, Emily?"

"Hmm. That's true, Bernard. We did plan to do this," said Emily. "And I fully agree with you too, Thomas. I think we can tell a few stories tonight. But before that, please excuse me. I'll be right back."

Thomas and Bernard watched as Emily whisked away through the station and out of sight. Within five minutes, she came back, now facing Bernard after turning around at Tidmouth Sheds. Bernard could also see she was right on his line, and he began to feel a warm rush in his heart as she maintained such a lovely smile as she came closer and closer, until she buffered right up to him. Bernard could now clearly see her lovely smile and her glimmering eyes as clearly as could be, just like he did when he first arrived only the evening before. This visit was indeed turning out to be quite a breeze so far, and Thomas really loved seeing his angel and her brother buffered up together in absolute sibling harmony.

"Bernard...today was such an amazing day," Emily smiled. "I'm so glad to have spent it with you today. And what a way for your visit to start off. What did you think?"

Bernard took a deep breath and chose his words...and a little nurture he had in mind too after all he and Emily had done together.

"Oh, Emily...you're such a diligent rescuer," he stated proudly. "I never imagined any engine could think that quickly and be so really useful. But now that I've seen it come from you, it just makes me love you all the more, my No. 12 sister. You're a brave, quick-thinking, funny and truly perfect sister, and there's no other way to say it, but...oh, by my wheels! I love you, Emily!"

Emily smiled happily, and then, almost without warning, Bernard buffered right up to Emily and began kissing her along her face at a steady and loving brotherly manner. Emily jumped, tittered and blushed as she felt Bernard's lips trailing along her cheeks, planting kisses wherever he went. Thomas found himself adoring this little sight, seeing his emerald angel being given such loving kisses by her own brother.

"Oh-ho-ho-ho! B-Bernard! Bernard!" Emily giggled bashfully. "That-that tickles!"

"Aww, do I have a ticklish emerald for a sister?" Bernard asked sweetly as he placed a fluttering kiss on the tip of her cheek, then her chin too.

"Tee-hee-hee! Yes! Ye-he-he-hes!" Emily tittered and laughed with such tickly cheeks as Bernard then placed one more big kiss on her cheek.

"Oh...oh, Bernard," Emily blushed sweetly. "You're such a sweet brother...you've made me such a happy sister today for spending it all with me today, and I love you too, Bernard. I love you so much, my perfect brother!"

Then Emily suddenly buffered to Bernard and started kissing him along his face, giggling and humming sweetly as she went.

"Mmm...ah! Hm-hm-hm! Mmm...ah! Oh, Bernard! Mmm...ah!" she hummed happily between kisses.

"Oh-ohh! E-Emily! Emily!" Bernard chortled bashfully. "Oh, you have such lovely lips for the perfect sister!"

Emily kept kissing her brother's face and humming happily as she went until she pressed her lips right to the middle of his cheek, and smooched loudly until she let go with a happy, sisterly chirp in her voice.

"Mmm...ah!" she chirped once again.

"Aww, Emily," Bernard blushed just as she did. "This...this has all been such an amazing day, and I can only wonder what the other engines may think."

And then, as if right on cue, Gordon, Rebecca, James, Nia and Percy's whistles all came sounding in the distance. Thomas and Emily looked and could see them all returning from their day's work. The word had come about, and they had all heard what the Stirling Duo had done today together. Thomas, Emily and Bernard all got out of the way of Platforms 1 and 2 so as to let Gordon and Rebecca in as they were the first to whistle and speak up.

"Well done, Emily!" Rebecca whistled. "Gordon came along and told me just what you and Bernard did! Absolutely amazing!"

"Quick thinking, just as I told her, Rebecca!" Gordon smiled as he and Rebecca stopped at the platforms.

Then all the passengers came out of their coaches and cheered on for Emily and Bernard. Emily and Bernard just smiled and whistled back while Thomas smiled from buffer to buffer to see all that his angel and her brother's efforts had brought them today. Then Percy, Nia and James came along too.

"We heard it all, Emily and Bernard! Such amazing sibling teamwork!" Nia chimed.

"Such a quick thinker, mother!" Percy whistled gleefully. "You too, Bernard!"

"Admittedly impressive," James added. "Looks like this Stirling Duo really knows how to keep everything in order on this railway...by training!"

All the engines couldn't help but laugh to James' little joke, and Emily and Bernard felt better and better just to be back in the yards after such a proud first day together. Soon, all the passengers left the station, the engines' coaches and trucks were shunted about to their sidings, then most of the engines made ready to return to Tidmouth Sheds. All except Thomas, Emily, Bernard, and even Percy. He stayed in the yards while the other engines left the station and made for Tidmouth Sheds. Now that the day had been fully complete for all the engines, Thomas, Emily and Bernard could now see that they had all the time they wanted to put their own plans to motion.

"Alright, then," said Thomas. "So comes the evening of your first full day with Emily, Bernard. And such a day it's been too! Would you care to tell me about your day today?"

"May I hear it too?" Percy asked. "I'd love to hear just what my mother and her brother have done together today. I've only heard a little about it."

"Of course, Percy," Emily smiled. "I think you'll really like to hear what we've been through today...as a Stirling Duo."

"Indeed, we were today, Thomas and Percy," said Bernard. "Just like you said, Thomas, we have been the Stirling Duo today."

"Well, then. Tell your story, Emily and Bernard," said Thomas. "Tell me all about your duet today."

"Ooh! Stirling storytime," Percy peeped eagerly.

So Emily and Bernard began their story of the day with Thomas and Percy.

"Well, we started right here at Knapford, Thomas. As you saw us this morning," said Emily. "We had to make goods deliveries to Kellsthorpe Road, then pick up a small train of safety supplies for the Search and Rescue Centre. We set off together and Bernard asked me what being a safety engine entails. Much like the Fat Controller told us how it works, I told Bernard pretty much the same. We went through Crosby and Wellsworth together, while I told him about how Edward decided to move there, and how everything at Tidmouth Sheds came to be between Molly, Edward, then Nia and Rebecca."

"What did you think, Bernard?" Thomas asked. "Hearing about Edward's move-in with Philip?"

"Well, I thought it was interesting to hear how those engines came and went," said Bernard. "And when I heard how Gordon had to get over the sense of being separated from Edward, I thought it was quite like how Emily I got over being separated since we parted ways at the end of David's adventure. It wasn't much for us to bear upon, but being back together again has made it such a joy for me."

"As it is for me, Bernard," Emily smiled. "And given that I'm now the safety engine, Bernard actually hoped a few things would happen so he could see how I think and feel as the safety engine and how I can think on my wheels and solve problems."

"Well, we certainly know what happened today," said Thomas. "But how? We could love to know that."

"Well, Thomas, the first thing we had to do since Bernard asked those questions was get over Gordon's Hill together," said Emily.

"Oh, yes," said Bernard. "Such a big hill it is too, just as the storybooks say, but Emily and I know just like all of you that Gordon's Hill can't keep us down so long as we keep moving onwards and forwards. So I pushed while Emily pulled, and we made it right over the hill together. We passed on through Maron...and then on our way to Cronk Station, that's when things began to happen."

"Bernard and I saw a signal that was trying to be set to clear," said Emily. "But its faulty performance kept it set at danger. I knew that could cause an accident, and I reported on it immediately. I alerted the signalman and he got right to work to bring in workmen and red flags until it was fixed. Then after we passed through Cronk and Kildane Station, we were on our way to Kellsthorpe Road when I saw Farmer McColl's fence broken and his sheep were beginning to wander. I warned him at once and he and Katie got to fixing the fence."

"Well done, Emily," Thomas smiled.

"Then we arrived at Kellsthorpe Road and delivered Emily's load," said Bernard. "We were both enjoying our day immensely. It was just like how we worked together back at York until she came here. We then collected the safety supplies and doubled back to the Search and Rescue Centre."

"And what did you think of the Rescue Centre and the team, Bernard?" Percy asked.

"Well, Percy. I heard that while it was still being built, Thomas was sent to collect more wood from the Mainland, then wound up marooned on Misty Island with the 'Logging Locos,' as Emily says, and how they helped Thomas home again. I, meanwhile had the pleasure of meeting Rocky, Harold, Butch, Belle and Flynn, and all of them were quite pleased to meet the safety engine's brother."

"Oh, I'm sure they were pleased," said Thomas. "But now...I hear that rockslide happened right near the Rescue Centre."

"Oh, yes!" Percy peeped. "It must have been scary, to see that boulder come sliding down the cliff!"

"And it was scary, Thomas and Percy," said Emily. "But fear can't stop Sodor's Safety Engine from prevailing. Bernard and I saw and heard clattering rocks falling from the ridge beside us. I was sure it could turn into a rockslide, and that's exactly what happened."

"I told Emily to watch out," said Bernard. "Then we heard and saw Gordon come round the bend. Then Emily rushed forward to stop him. I watched as she went right past the boulder's path and stopped Gordon where he was...then that boulder crashed right onto the line behind her. It was so sudden and quite frightful for all three of us...but as Gordon told Emily, that was quick thinking, and I cannot be more proud of her than I am to have seen just how well she works as Sodor's No. 12 Safety Engine!"

Thomas and Percy looked to Emily and whistled with joy, blowing her kisses and making her blush sweetly.

"Wow! Emily, you rescued Gordon and his passengers!" Thomas exclaimed. "That was more than quick thinking! It's fabulous and colossal!"

"A very diligent and sensible thing to do to act when you did, Emily," Percy smiled.

"It was nothing, you two," Emily smiled. "Staying safe, thinking on your wheels and solving problems really is no challenge. You just have to know how to do it."

"That's right. You just have to know how to do it," said Bernard. "And that is our story for today, Emily and I, the Stirling Duo. What do you think?"

Thomas and Percy looked to each other with growing smiles. This had been a fairly simple day for most of the other engines, but for Emily, Bernard and even Gordon, it had turned out to be something else indeed, and it was yet another wonderful sense of pride Emily could hold onto.

"Well, you two have had such a wonderful first day," said Thomas. "You should both be very proud of yourselves."

"We are, Thomas. We are," said Emily. "Aren't we, Bernard?"

"Proud as proud can be for today, Emily," said Bernard.

And the four engines fell silent for a few moments, smiling to each other and really enjoying the company, until Bernard suddenly perked his mind and spoke again.

"Now, then...I think it's time I heard what Emily offered to tell me tonight," he said.

"Oh? What's that, Bernard?" Thomas asked.

"Emily says she has plenty to tell me about what happened since we last saw each other. About herself, you, Thomas, and even you, Percy."

"Did she?" Percy asked.

"I did, Percy," said Emily. "And now that we've told our story for today, perhaps we can share a few stories with you, Bernard. This way we can bring you up to speed as to what happened since you and I said goodbye at York Station."

"Well, I'd love to hear it," said Bernard. "So. You and David had your adventure, you found Beatrice, you brought her back to Sodor and then the year and a half began until I came here to be with my sister again."

"Okay, Bernard," said Emily. "We'll tell you as much as we can tonight. So...After thirteen days of adventure with David, he, Beatrice and I all came home to Sodor again and we shared some of the adventure with Thomas, Percy and the Fat Controller. After settling back here the very next day, Percy and I had a little mother to son reunion in Knapford Sheds together, much to his joy and delight."

"And I was so happy to have seen Emily come home again, Bernard," Percy peeped. "I missed her so much, like we all did."

"Of course you would, Percy. Who wouldn't miss such a lovely engine as my sister?" Bernard asked.

Emily smiled and spoke next. "Then after Percy and I reconnected, Thomas and I took our chance at Black Loch, where we still have yet to take you sometime, Bernard. Maybe tomorrow or such, we could do that."

"I'd like that, Emily," said Bernard. "Then what happened after that?"

"Well, just a few weeks after we had all come home and reconnected," said Emily. "There came a massive, blowing storm that November. Such loud thunder and such flashing lightning. We all slept fair enough in Tidmouth Sheds, but Percy didn't. That storm was really frightening him, and as such, he woke me up and stayed right with me to hold close to me during the storm. I then decided that perhaps we had to come to Knapford Sheds, but we'd have to run for it."

"And we did," Percy remarked. "I was scared, and even with Emily holding my buffers, it was scary, windy, loud and wet, but Emily was right there for me to keep me safe...and to our surprise, David and Beatrice were inside the sheds together, hiding from the rain themselves. David could see how scared I was, and he had the most interesting remedy to help curb my fears. As he was a sailor and soldier in the Navy, he's seen a few hurricanes through his life."

"I'm sure he has," said Bernard. "The sea can be a most alien place to navigate."

"Well, he told us a story all about when he faced a hurricane himself onboard the Sea Emperor," said Percy. "And how he rescued two fisherman from their fishing boat, and even let his imagination run a little wild as he claims to have conversed with the North Wind until the storm blew itself out and David made it to port in Northern Scotland, where he was set to make port at next. It was quite a wonder to hear the adventures he himself had faced during his delivering days onboard his ship. As such, I didn't feel so frightened of the storm anymore, and soon enough, it passed, and David and Beatrice could go home."

"That sounds good, Percy," said Bernard. "Then what came next...perhaps around December and Christmas?"

"Well...that's when Gordon and Rebecca really came to shine," said Emily. "Ever since she joined the Steam Team, she's been helping Gordon with the express, and then slowly overtime, they came to realize they were meant for each other...and just like Thomas and I, James and Molly and all the other engine couples on Sodor, they came together in love."

Bernard looked right to Emily's eyes. "Hmm...I wondered if they could have a chance together, both being express engines."

"Well, ever since Rebecca first kissed Gordon on his cheek, they decided to keep it under wraps," said Emily. "That is until their relationship began to show itself again and they began to wonder if it could be pushed a little further than it was. Thomas and I could see how they began to feel for each other earlier, and we began to feel everything becoming more and more real. Even David suggested how Gordon would be feeling if they kept moving forward together."

"And they did," said Thomas. "I never imagined that Gordon of all engines would find a love of his life, especially in Rebecca, who is so very different from him, which makes them perfectly imperfect as they say. They eventually confessed to the Fat Controller about their feelings and their relationship soon became known to all the other engines. But even then, their relationship hadn't quite flourished into golden glory. They slowly began to push a few boundaries, with nicknames, kissing each other's cheeks and what have you...until the last night of November came out...and that's when they did it."

"Did what, Thomas?" Bernard asked.

"Well...Percy woke up from another nightmare and came to seek my comfort," said Emily. "I held him close and told him I was there for him...and that's when Gordon and Rebecca set off together...right until they came to Gordon's Hill and stood at the very top together...and as soon as the hour of 12:00 midnight came upon them, announcing the arrival of December, their lips came together for the first time ever...and that's when the Big G and Golden Queen came together."

"Big G and Golden Queen?" Bernard recited. "That sounds very fitting indeed...and so they came together in love. Most amazing."

"It was, Bernard," said Thomas. "Even Flying Scotsman, who would tease Gordon over being his little brother treated it all with great dignity...but then came a time when Percy was feeling a little shifty about the snow, and how the rails were all very icy."

Percy looked away as he remembered just how ridiculous that day turned out to be.

"I told Percy that as long he was careful, he'd be fine," said Emily. "Then Thomas decided to meet Percy back at Knapford later that day, but as it so turned out, Percy had a certain image rushing in his head about a past nightmare he had had about Thomas and an avalanche. While Thomas was paying a visit to India a few years ago, Percy and I were asleep one night, and Percy had a nightmare that Thomas was in the Himalayan mountains and got swept off the tracks by an avalanche. It happened to Nia on their first big adventure together, and it's only because of Yong Bao that they made it out safely...but Percy's nightmare showed quite otherwise as Thomas plummeted off the mountain!"

"Oh...that is such a distasteful dream, Percy!" Bernard exclaimed.

"It was, Bernard," Percy shook. "And it's only because Emily was right there to assure me that Thomas was in the warm country of India that I knew he was alright...but with that image in my mind, I came back and saw that Thomas hadn't come back...and then I became quite an embarrassing engine. I ran off all over the line, saying that Thomas had been in an accident. The whole Steam Team got alerted and were rushing on their way to find Thomas...until Rebecca found him perfectly alright at Brendam because the Fat Controller sent him to gather more salt for the roads, and I didn't know yet. I rushed about so much, I derailed in the snow. Then the whole Steam Team gathered around me, and then Thomas was there too. I then realized I had caused such confusion and delay for everyone there, and I knew never to panic like that ever again."

Bernard looked curiously at Percy. He knew the small green engine from the storybooks and knew he could be an exuberant and slightly antsy engine, but not like this.

"Well...that sounds quite outlandish of you, Percy. Panicking so much over nothing. What happened then?" he asked.

"I brought Rocky along and helped Percy back on track. I then spoke with him that same evening and heard how it was all about that nightmare he had of Thomas. The Fat Controller heard about it too and made sure that Percy would not make such a mistake again. But anyway, what's more important than that, is that Christmas Eve was the next day, and we all worked together to bring Christmas into the air."

"Christmas in their air?" Bernard asked. "How so, Emily?"

"Well, Bernard," said Thomas. "We all had a different train to take to Tidmouth Town Square. I passed by all the engines and saw what they were bringing along. James had peppermint candy canes, Percy had hot apple cider, Emily had cranberry sauce, Gordon had passengers with hot cocoa on-board his express, Rebecca had warm pumpkin pies, and Nia had fresh gingerbread cookies from the bakery, and I had the most important load of all. I had fir trees, decorations and pine cones, all for the Christmas celebration, and my goodness, was it a wonderful night! And what made it truly special for David was that it was it was his first Christmas back with his mother after twelve whole years."

Bernard's heart stirred. "Oh...that is such a merry Christmas for both of them, being back together after so long...truly beautiful!"

"It was indeed, Bernard," said Emily. "Then the following January was an occasion Donald and Douglas were both excited about called Burns Night. Have you heard of that occasion? I hadn't heard much of it until Donald, Douglas and the Riders told it to me."

"Hmm...come to think of it, I think I do know how it works, Emily," said Bernard. "What happened on that night?"

"Well, there was to be a Burns Night Supper at Ulfstead Castle," said Emily. "We have a small green engine named Luke here on Sodor. He was meant to bring the haggis while Donald and Douglas brought the food and I brought the guests...but Donald ended up telling Luke about the Loch Ness Monster legend, something I used to be afraid of along the Black Loch Route until I learned they were just a family of seals. Luke was frightened of the prospect and ended up losing some of the haggis along the Callan lake, and he thought the splashes were the monster until he came to Ulfstead and told us what happened. Donald told him it was all just a joke, and that Burns Night Supper turned out very beautifully. I brought David, Beatrice, and the Hatts along, as well as Lord Callan and a group of Scottish Dancers, which made Donald and Douglas quite happy."

Bernard stood there enthralled by all that he was hearing. It made him start to wish that he had paid his visit much sooner.

"Oh...oh, Emily," said Bernard. "This all sounds so fascinating! A story of the North Wind, Gordon and Rebecca's love, Christmas in the air, Burns Night! What else is there that I've not yet come to hear about the ongoing here on Sodor?"

By this time, the sun was setting and the engines could see it was starting to get dark. Thomas, Emily and Percy were just beginning to tire, but they felt as though there was a little more they could tell.

"Hmm...well, Bernard. There are two more stories I think we can tell you tonight," said Emily. "About Rebecca...and about Percy and his own special friend...Gina."

Percy suddenly perked as to knowing what Emily meant by this...before the dark times. Before his crushed spirits...which would not be told tonight.

"Alright, then," said Bernard. "What story is this about Rebecca?"

"Well, one thing we didn't tell you yet, Bernard," said Emily. "Rebecca's brakes started out a little faulty when she first came along to Sodor. She'd more or less often miscalculate the time it took her to stop. It didn't seem to be too big a problem as she never had any serious accidents, but faulty brakes are nonetheless a risky thing to have...especially in icy weather like the winter we still had after Burns Night."

"Hmm...so what happened?" Bernard asked.

"Well, we were all told to sand and plough the rails," said Thomas. "Gordon told Rebecca to be careful with her brakes, as did Emily, and with the icy rails, Rebecca's brakes didn't exactly work to primly, so she had to rely on her sanding gear to keep her travels stable...until she decided to clear even more of the line with what sand she had...but as she went over Gordon's Hill and went sliding back down the other side...her brakes failed altogether."

Bernard's eyes widened. "Oh, dear. Did something happen?" he asked.

"Well...if it hadn't been for Gordon, Rebecca probably would have had a terrible accident," said Percy.

"Indeed," said Emily. "Rebecca's brakes had failed, and then her sanding gear ran out as she had used it up on the other line. Then as she rushed past Gordon, he left his express at the next station and rushed ahead to save her. A rock knocked her snowplough right off, then Gordon saw his chance and rushed ahead of her, switching to her line and letting her buffer up from behind, and with her Big G's help, Gordon saved Rebecca."

Bernard gasped as Thomas, Emily and Percy all smiled to him.

"Wow! Gordon is such a gentleman when it comes to his Golden Queen," Bernard smiled. "So...how did Rebecca do then? And how are her brakes?"

"Smooth as silk, Bernard," Emily replied. "I brought Rebecca to the Steamworks while Gordon finished his express run, and ever since then, her brakes have been working perfectly with no more trouble at all...and now, onto the last story we can tell tonight...about Percy and Gina."

"Yes...I heard you mention this Gina earlier," said Bernard. "I don't think I've ever heard of her. What is she like?"

"Oh, it would take too long with all the details, Bernard," said Percy. "But Gina is all the way from Italy. I first ever met her at the Great Railway Show on the Mainland, and then sometime later, she came to visit us all...and she and I began our own relationship. She's very fierce-minded and the Queen of Shunting in Italy. She can even mach Thomas' shunting skills. It was also during her first visit when she kissed me for the first time. Our relationship started with her first visit, then her next visit for the New Year, where she and I shared our first kiss to the lips...until she had to say goodbye again."

"By my wheels, Percy...you found love too?" Bernard asked. "That is so very special t hear."

"Thank you, Bernard. But it wasn't easy to say goodbye," said Percy. "After she left again, I had not seen her for three whole years. During those times apart from each other, we'd exchange letters of expression to keep in touch...and then Valentine's Day came along this past year, and I then realized that Gina and I had never shared a Valentine's Day together."

"Oh...that's too bad, Percy," said Bernard. "And it sounds like you and Gina really hold together though."

"We do," said Percy. "I knew we couldn't see each other for Valentine's Day anyway, and so I decided to send her a Valentines card and see what she would do. Sure enough, I got a card back from Italy...with no name. The Fat Controller, Lady Hatt, Thomas, Emily and the Riders all figured that I had a secret admirer, and that I had to guess who it was."

"We did, Bernard," sad Emily. "Percy wondered if it were me, Rosie, Thomas and Beatrice, until he began to wonder if it was Gina after all. And so, he sent her back another Valentine letter, saying that he was sure it was her...and sure enough, she sent him a letter back, saying that it was indeed her, and that she'd be his valentine as long as he'd be hers."

"And I am," Percy smiled happily. "I am Gina's long distance valentine, but a true valentine just the same."

"And that is all I think we can tell you for tonight, Bernard," Emily smiled. "Now that you're considerably caught up with what has happened with us since we saw each other last...what do you think?"

Bernard went still and thought for a few moments. He had really enjoyed all that he had heard tonight, and after such a glorious first day with Emily, he was indeed very happy.

"Well, everyone...what have I been missing?" he said at last. "Wow. Those are all such interesting stories, right up to Percy and Gina being long distance valentines. All those stories sound lovely to think about. Especially yours, Emily. You and all your friends live such remarkable lives."

"Thank you, Bernard," Emily nodded.

"We're all pleased to have you as our guest, Bernard," Thomas added.

"Very much so," Percy peeped.

"Now...Is...is there any more to be told after that Valentine's Day? Maybe?" Bernard asked.

But when Bernard asked this, Thomas, Emily and Percy suddenly looked grimly to each other, feeling quite different underneath to what they had just been asked. In the midst of such a happy, well-going reconnection between Emily and her brother, this seemed to shift how they felt about everything so far. Emily didn't know for sure if Bernard had come to hear what had followed that Valentines' day, and she thought that maybe this wasn't the best time to reveal it yet. Neither did Thomas and Percy.

"Hmm...I...I don't think tonight is the best time to tell you all of that, Bernard," said Emily.

"Oh? Why not, Emily?" Bernard asked.

Emily could see Bernard was an inquiring brother, and as she looked to Thomas and Percy, she knew they had to tell him something.

"Well...I'm not sure if this news reached the Mainland, or if you've heard of it yet...but just to be brief...did you hear of what became of Percy just after that Valentine's Day?"

Bernard thought for a moment and saw Percy shut his eyes, looking internally troubled.

"Hmm...I don't think so, Emily," said Bernard. "And...Percy? Did something bad happen after Valentine's Day? You look troubled."

Percy opened his eyes and looked conflicted. He looked to Emily, and she knew just what to do.

"Well...if you haven't heard it yet, perhaps this isn't the most fitting time to tell it," said Emily. "You and I are still in the mode of reconnecting, Bernard. And I don't want to dampen that feeling with what became of Percy. For now, I'll just say that something did go very wrong...but bare in mind, Percy is alright now, and he has been for a long while ever since he recovered thanks to Gina's help, but...these stories may have to wait just a while more, alright? For now, let us all sleep here together again."

"I agree completely," said Percy. "Let's all sleep safely tonight."

"Would you like to join us all in the sheds again, Bernard?" Thomas asked.

Bernard sighed. It was getting late, and he knew they'd have to turn in anyway. So he smiled gently. The look on his face said it all, and they knew they could settle for the night. After turning around the right way at Tidmouth Sheds, Thomas, Emily, Bernard and Percy all slipped into Knapford Sheds side by side. There were now four engines gathered here together and it was indeed quite cozy.

"Well...here we all are again, Emily," Bernard murmured. "If you think it's best to hold off on the rest of the stories, then I trust you. And as long as Percy is alright and has been ever since he recovered, then that's enough for me to settle for tonight. Once again, I'm so glad to have come back to you, Emily. My No. 12 sister."

"I'm infinitely happy you could come back too, Bernard...here to Sodor for the first time," Emily smiled. "Sleep tight, by perfect brother."

"Sleep tight, Emily. You too, Thomas and Percy," Bernard replied.

"Sleep tight, Bernard and Percy. And sweet dreams, Emily," Thomas drowsed.

"Sweet dreams, Tommy," Emily drowsed in turn. "Sweet dreams, Percy."

"Sweet dreams, everyone," Percy whispered.

Then for their second night together since his arrival, Bernard fell asleep right with Thomas and Emily again, and Percy too. And so Emily and Bernard had re-established a strong reconnection after spending an entire day together, and it was indeed quite a breeze, just as both Stirlings had hoped. This little visit had indeed turned out quite nicely. This would go on for another day or two...but then once that time had come to pass, there would come quite the change in course for Bernard's visit...and what it would entail for a fair deal more of his visit. In the midst of his pride and joy for his sister's accomplishments, being with her again and establishing a strong reconnection, there was one deep dark secret surrounding Bernard for many years that he had never told Emily, and that no one on Sodor had ever come to know clearly...something that Emily, the Fat Controller and a select few diesels had only ever heard of once before...and a major reason as to why everything that happened during Sailor John's free reign after escaping from prison came to happen...and by a grave truth to be told once the shadow loomed at the perfectly imperfect moment, Bernard would eventually hear one particular line of words that would bring all of these secrets rushing back to him, and he had a certain light to shed upon himself...and pending conflicts to overcome before any remedies could be had.

So in terms of Emily's safety reports and rescuing Gordon, all of those are moments from Emily's "Meet the Steam Team" video from Series 23, only with Bernard included here, which basically kinda, at least somewhat, foreshadowed what the writers intended for Emily in Series 24 with "Emily to the Rescue", which just makes that video all the better for me. So, yeah, like I said before, things are going to get much darker and interesting starting with the next chapter, as the final paragraph of this chapter elludes to. The big unanswered question that I mentioned in the last chapter will be revealed in the next chapter, so until then, tell us what you thought of this chapter, and as always, stay safe.