Yay! An update! I'm making progress on this story, I promise...so much as come up in the last few months and I haven't had the time (or motivation) to write, but I'm working on it, I promise! :)

...

Spencer stood in Diesel X's presence, as the latter fixed the silver engine with a gaze of contempt.

"You are Spencer, correct?"

"Spencer, indeed." The streamliner crooned. "And your most obedient engine." He sneered.

"Are you now...?"

"Test me, my dear Diesel."

The ochre diesel paused ominously. He had heard from others that Spencer was in fact a cunning and deceitful engine, but even Spencer was shown to have mercy on those he didn't like. Now that Diesel X thought of it, steamies would only go so far to throw their fellow engines under the bus. He also knew Spencer better than to try and fool him- he wasn't gonna get anywhere sweet-talking Spencer either.

At last, he made a decision.

"Do you dare to scrap a friend of mine?" He asked, as bluntly as possible.

"Yes," Spencer answered, much almost without hesitation, making Diesel X jump inwardly. "But," He began. "I'd rather scrap two of your enemies."

Wow, that was easy. Diesel X thought to himself, before smiling slyly. "Well, Spencer, my dear boy, that's what you get to do. Two great enemies...not only to myself and my fellow diesels, but to my peace of mind as well."

Spencer looked confused, but patient as he waited to hear the names of these elusive engines.

"I mean those bastard engines James and Percy," Diesel X snarled. "In the scrapyard?"

"Give me access to them, and you'll soon never have to worry about them." Spencer promised faithfully.

"Wonderful," The ochre diesel grinned. "A sweeter sound than the hum of my radiator. Come forward, Spencer." Spencer puffed forward.

"I want it done this way..." And he whispered something that only the sliver engine could hear. Spencer seemed surprised by the order, but nonetheless, smiled evilly.

"Ill get it done right away, sir." He promised, before exiting the Dieselworks.

Diesel X let out a sigh of contentment. This plan of reign over Sodor was just too easy. These were just so stupid to fall for such a trick! The sounds of Paxton rushing back into the Dieselworks interrupted his thoughts, however.

"Diesel X, sir," Paxton called to his master, now seeming a much calmer than before he departed. "I've thought over the request you'd given me-"

"It doesn't matter anymore, boy, I found someone to take of the matter." Diesel X interrupted.

"I...heard everything, sir." Paxton replied, sheepishly. He paused a moment, before remembering something.

"Sir," He began, hoping Diesel X would remember as well. "I think it's time for the gift you promised me earlier- remember? I get reign over Thomas's Branch Line? And I'm the new leader of the Dieselworks, right?"

"Norman, find anything about the whereabouts of that Lady, would you?" The leader ordered, seemingly ignoring his companion.

"So...what do you say, sir?" Paxton asked again.

"I'm pretty sure, she was here at the Dieselworks not too long ago, or maybe she went to the station, she sure is a sneaky little-"

"SIR!" Paxton yelled, interrupting his master's thoughts.

"Yes, Paxton?" Diesel X answered calmly, disregarding the clear anger in his companion's face. "What time is it, anyway?"

"It's time to give me what you promised me." Paxton snapped.

"I said what time is it." Diesel X replied, through gritted teeth this time.

"Almost 10:00, sir."

"Then let the clock strike."

"What do you mean, 'let it strike' ?"

"Because you're annoying the scrap iron out of me, Paxton, and I'm not exactly in the most forgiving mood today."

Paxton felt his insides shrink to bits as he winced at the tone of his controller's voice. Maybe it might be best to leave the matter alone for the moment...

"Well, then I'll just let you tell me about that another time," Paxton agreed amicably.

"Don't bother me," Diesel X snapped irritably. "I said I'm not in the mood." He gave his minion a prolonged stare before exiting with the other diesels.

Paxton was alone, and frightened.

Good lord! The others were right!

Diesel X, whatever he wanted to call himself now, he was truly a snake! He had to leave Sodor, and fast.

"Is this...really happening?" He quivered. "I do all this work for him, and he just...sneers and threatens me? And it's all my fault- I allowed to him to do all of this!

I can't end up like Sidney-oh, lord above, I gotta get out of here before I'm next!" He shrieked in fright, before departing for the nearest cargo register as fats as his wheels could carry him.