Number 2 slipped seamlessly beneath the coal hopper next to it's shed at Wellsworth. Edward checked his pocket watch as the steady rumble of thudding coal lumps reverberated within the old seagull's tender. Taking out his blue handkerchief he wiped his brow and let his eyes glint from the clock in his watch to the photo within the cover. He smiled with tired eyes as he heard the clanging chime of a brass bell pierce through the continuing drum of the coal hopper. Looking around the cloud of soot and ash, Edward saw the visage of the Number 7 tram trundle up the line beside Number 2. Stepping down from the cab Edward gave a solid wave before sticking his fingers in his pockets and waiting for the tram to brake.

"That's the last of the shunting for now." Toby exhaled. He stepped down from Number 7 and seated himself on the edge of the footplate. "These long hours in this heat. It's unbelievable."

Edward rubbed a bit of the condensation from his eyes as he withheld a yawn. "It's the summer hustle. Most of our revenue comes from tourists so more trains get scheduled.."

"And more side work needs to be done as well." Toby finished. "At least you get a good stretch of absent mindedness while you're running passengers along the branchline. We only get a good run if there's a special train." He patted the framework of Number 7 affectionately.

Edward laughed lightly. "Eh I really can't complain if I'm honest."

"Who would listen anyway?" Toby chuckled. He liked Edward. They both had been at the game for a long time. It was easy to understand where the other was coming from.

"Speaking of, I should probably start making my way to Knapford." Edward said eyeing the station's clock. "Filling in as Pilot while Percy is covering the Ffarquar branch this week will be a nice change of pace." Edward started turning to Number 2, now loaded for the journey. "Where are you off to now?"

Toby stood and hoisted himself backwards into Number 7's cab. "Funny that. I don't know. I better check in with the yard manager and see." He scratched the back of his head before adjusting the bill of his cap. "We'll be seeing you sir."

Edward smiled and tipped his own cap. "And you sir."

And Number 7 trundled up the line and across the points.

Edward made good time as he began approaching the tunnel. Number 2 sounded healthier today as the coupling rods beat it's wheels against the rails. Running a hand up the frame of the cab he looked anxiously back at Number 2's pressure gauges. The build up was steady, but the engine wasn't exhaling the steam it should be. Edward knew the safety valve was putting in the work as he felt the beat of the valve gear pulse through his core.

"We'll get you back to a hundred percent old boy. After the season we'll have the break we need to get you evaluated and set back right."

The engine had begun wheezing slightly but Edward felt steady and confident in his machine.

"Just have to make it to Knapford."

Emerging from the other side of the tunnel, Number 2 had Tidmouth in its sights. Signal at green, Edward steamed on up the middle line. They rounded the bend and he saw a long goods train cross right over the points to the outside line. Edward would be pulling up alongside it. Encouraged, he opened the regulator and picked up speed. As they approached next to the train, he recognized the tender of the back engine.

"That's Number 12. Emily must be working today."

Edward, remaining vigilant and adjusted speed to coast right alongside Number 12 as he gave a friendly wave to Emily. She beamed back enthusiastically before letting loose a long whistle from Number 12. Edward laughed and let Number 2 wail back in it's tired but determined way. Brandishing a quick salute, Edward opened Number 2 up again to continue gaining speed. Passing Donald in Number 9 who was calling out (Yoo-hooo!), Edward rested his arm on the cab wall and grinned. He was flying along the line. While the heavy goods' was running slower at a safe speed, Edward still felt pride in his little engine.

Both trains were coming up on the junction for Knapford Harbor. Edward, pacing Number 2, passed the middle of the long goods' train. He was expecting to see the trio branch off from him to make their way to the docks for the delivery. However he suddenly heard several sharp blasts of the whistle from the lead engine. He looked back and saw both Donald and Emily peering outside their cabs.

Edward took in his surroundings. Looking beyond both trains he saw the signal for the goods' train was green, however the front half had already passed beneath the gantry and was continuing…. Straight. Straight toward Knapford station, not the harbor. He caught a glimpse of the signal box as they passed by, the signal man was on the extension waving a red flag. Something was wrong.

"C'mon old boy." Edward flew around the cab adjusting Number 2 as they continued to gain on the head of the train. The heavy goods' train began compensating. Edward could tell they were beginning to slow down as he sped up. He quickly levelled with Douglas at the head and checked the rail ahead of him before leaning out to yell across to Number 10.

"What's wrong!" Edward called. Trying to be heard over the thundering clacks of the engines.

"Och Aye, Theh points weren' set righ'! We have to slohw an' stohp!" Douglas scrambled as he tried braking down the heavy train.

Edward's mind raced. "Even with Emily and Donald slowing, they'll still be sliding into the station too fast." There were too many uncertainties. This line could be occupied by an engine at the station, or have a train approaching from the opposite way. There could be danger on the line that hasn't been removed. Edward took a beat, and collected a breath. He was already pushing Number 2 to the point of leaking steam, but he had an idea. Before the station was the junction.

Number 2 raced ahead of the goods' train and saw the signal box in the distance. Edward blasted the whistle indicating a point change. The signal ahead lifted to red and the definitive clunk of the points shifting let Edward clear the gap and switch ahead of Number 10.

With exact precision, Edward eased to let the goods train catch him. He eased on the brake and lessened the regulator, letting Number's weight add to the braking effort of the entire consist. They were slowing. They were slowing and they had control of the weight. Edward watched over Number 2's tender as the train relied on him and Douglas' braking efforts.

"Another kilometer and we've got it." Edward breathed to himself. As he turned his head back to face the controls, Number 10's whistle screamed as the train entered the yard and Number 2's buffers met that of a brakevan.

Now we can start tying plots together! I realized as I began writing this that Toby and Edward as characters have a lot of redundancies when it comes to how the show utilizes them. It's hard for me to find distinctiveness in their personalities, but I do want to get them paired again at some point.

Thanks for reading! -REN