"Just take a breath..." Henry looked anxiously up the steps into Knapford's main station building. He straightened his cap and checked his watch before making the familiar walk to The Controller's office. Arriving at the door Henry caught his reflection in the gold embossed name plate branding the entryway. His eyes disfigured by the 'P' and 'H' of Topham, he blinked and took another breath. But before he could even raise his hand to knock...

"Come in." A voice sounded through the thick wood.

Henry opened the door, peering inside apprehensively. "It's me sir."

"Henry! You're early!" Sir Topham Hatt exclaimed after checking the clock on the opposite wall. "Marvelous. It's wonderful to see you."

He stepped from behind his desk and approached Henry with an outstretched hand. Henry fully came into the office and closed the door behind him. He took The Controller's hand and smiled warmly. "It's nice to be back."

"Come in, please sit. Have a biscuit." Sir Topham guided Henry to the seat across from his desk. Then, retracing his steps, he found himself comfortably back in his chair. "How are you, how do you feel?"

Henry took off his cap and rested it on his knee. "I'm… fine sir. I'm better than I thought I'd be."

He didn't meet Sir Topham's eyes. The truth was he had been experiencing frequent, splitting headaches since the accident. His concussion was ruled to be less serious than believed, but being unconscious for as long as he was, prompted the hospital to keep him several days for observation. Once he realized he'd had consistent headaches, he'd used his time-off to recover at home and try to take things easy.

"It's nice to be back. I was going mad after a few days at home." He chuckled lightly, wincing as he felt a twinge in his temple.

"I'm happy to hear it. It's a testament having you come back so quickly." Sir Topham said obliviously. "The railway… I, am grateful to you. We're in a bind, and all things considered, we could use someone like you." He ran a hand over his shiny head.

Henry held his focus. He had been anticipating reprimand for the accident. He almost wanted to be cursed out to alleviate the guilt he felt. Over and over he'd replayed the day in his head, and he'd concluded that had he not tried to shunt his own train, the accident may have never occurred.

"I've begun interviews for new, temporary drivers until we can get our numbers back. Even with engines out of commission we can still prepare for reinforcements should the worst be the case."

Henry couldn't hide his surprise. The worst? What was worse than engines, HIS engine, being out of commission.

"Begging your pardon sir, but what do you mean.. The worst?"

Sir Topham raised an eyebrow, his hands folding and resting on the desk as he looked at Henry directly.

"I thought you would have been told. There's no easy way to say it, but Edward and Douglas have both been hospitalized and Emily is on leave barring injuries from the accident. We aren't just low on steam power, but man power as well."

Henry felt the room spin, he doubled over and put his head in his hands. Between his headache and the news itself he wanted to retch. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"I know it's a lot. But Henry I want to assure you that none of this was your fault." The Controller said this knowingly and had stood to come around his desk and put a reassuring hand on Henry's shoulder.

"The points at the junction were faulty and the oncoming goods couldn't steady it's speed in time." Sir Topham squeezed Henry's shoulder gently.

"I have several questions about the incident," He continued, "But not a single one about who was at fault. This was an accident, the very definition. I want you to hear me clearly when I tell you that this was a tragedy, but in no way was this the result of any action you took."

Henry opened his eyes and took a shuddering deep breath. "I… I really appreciate that sir." He took a hearty sniff and pulled out his green handkerchief to dab his eyes. The weight of his conscious lightening slightly as he realized he sincerely needed that reassurance.

"I mean every word." Sir Topham gave a final firm squeeze and circled back behind his desk.

"We aren't going to mourn because we still have hope. Until we can celebrate, we have to move forward. Which is why I wanted to speak with you."

Henry ran a hand through his hair and let out a final sigh as he put his emotions to rest. "Absolutely sir. What can I do for you?"

Sir Topham cleared his throat. "I have a plan, and I want to ensure you're comfortable with it before we execute."

Henry listened intently.

The Bulleid pulled awkwardly into Knapford at platform 1. Rebecca attempted to brake gently, but with Gordon's eyes on the back of her head she felt her hand shake as the engine jerked to a final resting point.

"At least we're here." Gordon stepped off the engine onto the platform and arched his back in a deep stretch.

Rebecca bit her bottom lip and stared blankly at the controls. Her confidence had been shattered. She felt the lowest she had since she'd started working with engines. Every station, every stop, nothing she tried seemed to fit the 'Gordon' standard. And worse still? She wasn't even performing at her own standard.

She hastily ran her arm across her eyes and cracked her head to one side before straightening up, cementing her resolve.

"You know what Gordon–" She turned to step off the footplate when she saw Gordon in an enthusiastic handshake with the gentleman she'd watched collapse on the platform after the accident.

She started towards the two as Gordon turned around beaming. "I'm sorry, you were saying?"

Rebecca was taken aback. "Uhm… I was saying.. asking.. Who. this is?" She stuttered out.

The man stepped forward and extended his hand. "Henry, and am I right to assume you're Rebecca then?"

She took his grip and wore her confusion as she nodded.

"Brilliant. You've learned all you can from fusspot here. I'll be your new partner going forward." Henry grinned and punched Gordon playfully in the arm.

"When was this decided?" Gordon crowed, frowning from the hit.

"I just spoke with sir. You see Number 3… well Number 3 is going to be out of service for a while." Henry looked down and rubbed the back of his head. Saying it out loud stung in a way he hadn't expected.

"So.. so you see..." Henry regained composure. "So that means Gordon, you and Number 4 are back on full time express duties, and Rebecca, you and I will be using the Bulleid to fill in on the railway and get you familiar with the line."

Gordon couldn't hide his excitement. Finally he'd be back to his engine, doing his favorite job, relishing in the peace of just him and the open track.

Rebecca was flabbergasted, she wasn't going to miss Gordon's scrutinizing, but she didn't know what mentality this new mentor would bring to the table. She felt self conscious all over again and stuck her fingers in her pockets, elbows out.

"Well how about that." She stated plainly.

Gordon threw and arm around his friend. "Better be ready Henry. You've got your work cut out for you."

This was fun. I think it'll be the last we see of the large mainline engines for a while, but I like where I'm leaving them. I feel I got to show good aspects of Gordon in earlier chapters, so letting his pompous/condescending side peek through here felt appropriate.

Also Henry's back! I like writing for him. Wholesome and hardworking, and I think he and Rebecca will be better suited for where I want this particular narrative to go. Plus getting to show off Sir Topham Hatt's dynamic with how he handles the crew is something I miss from classic Thomas. Like yeah he runs a railway, but he's also considerate and has everyone's best interests at heart. Heavy is the head that wears the crown.

I think the next chapter I'll try and introduce some more characters as we build up to a new arc. If there's anyone you'd like to see, please let me know!

As always, thanks for reading! -REN