Morning came again with the sun rising over Tidmouth Sheds. It was now the third day of the Technology Fair known as the World of Tomorrow. Thomas had now seen a fair few inventions for himself, and now had a clearer view of the nature of the whole event, and he had all the assurance he needed that there was nothing to worry about after saving the Metal Man from a runaway incident. Even Rebecca managed to let go of her fears when she heard of Thomas' rescue of the Metal Man. But ever since taking Percy's mail run the night before, Thomas had other things on his mind after seeing Sonny, Baz and Bernie out in the night, and informing David about them himself.
Furthermore to Thomas' disappointment, when he looked to his left, he could see that Emily was still lost in a clouded state of uncertainty and fear of being replaced. Having heard that every single one of the inventions in her dream had been part of the real Fair only made her feel that it all furthered her point in worrying about being replaced, along with Percy fearing of hovering mail wagons. Emily could feel Thomas looking at her. She looked up to him, and Thomas waited for her to speak, but didn't say a word. She just took a deep breath and sighed sadly, shaking her head.
"Poor angel," Thomas thought to himself. "If only I could have helped her...then again, David did say me has a solution for her. I wonder..."
At that moment, the Fat Controller came to the sheds. With the exception of Thomas and Rebecca, the other engines still felt gloomy, trying to hide it as best they could as the Fat Controller came forward and spoke.
"Well, everyone. I hope you all slept well last night. Yesterday was quite a handful with this Technology Fair, but there's still plenty to do for it yet."
"Plenty to do indeed, of all the nerve," Gordon thought to himself with a low grunt.
"The World of Tomorrow has been going quite nicely ever since its start," the Fat Controller continued. "And everyone got to see all the inventor's best inventions yet. And in spite of a few mishaps with each invention, we've managed fairly enough so far with the Mighty Magnet, the Milkshake Machine and Ruth's Hover Car."
"Yes, sir," said Thomas, keeping a cheerful mood himself. "And Ruth's Hover Car is simply wonderful."
"Yes, Thomas. It is indeed," said the Fat Controller. "But now...things are going to be a little different."
When the engines heard this, all of them, except Thomas and Rebecca, froze and stayed very, very still. After so much worrying of being replaced, they felt as though the Fat Controller was going to announce sweeping changes to the railway with the inventions taking full charge. Then...
"The presentations on the stage are now over with," said the Fat Controller. "This means that for today and tomorrow, the Fair is mostly for display purposes for our guests to come and go when they please. All the inventions that have been presented yesterday will now be on display for everyone to look at. You're welcome too to see it for yourselves whenever your schedule is clear enough. The Fair is going to be on a quieter note for now...until the time comes to wrap it all up."
Then the Fat Controller handed out the engines' jobs for the day. Gordon and Rebecca would be managing the Express, James and Nia had goods runs to take across the Main Line, Percy was to work with Thomas on his Branch Line, and Emily had her own passengers to take to Kellsthorpe Road Station.
Then the Fat Controller left. As soon as he was out of sight, the other engines looked around to each other, then gave a deep exhale of relief that they heard nothing about being replaced, but much of their doubt continued to linger.
"Phew...that as too close!" James exclaimed.
"Are we still all here?" Percy asked, too anxious to think absolutely clearly.
"Yes, Percy. We're all here," Thomas sighed as he turned to the rest of the Steam Team. "I do hope this news of the Fair quieting down can settle at least some of your fears."
"Well, it's a good thing this Fair is quieting down!" grunted Gordon. "I can't take much more of all these infernal inventions!"
"And thank Heavens we're still working on the railway...at least for now," said Nia.
"Keep a stiff upper lip, Nia. Of course we're still working," said Rebecca. "And it's not just for now. That's for always. Isn't that right, Thomas?"
"More right than anything else right now, Rebecca," said Thomas. "You see, Emily? Like I said. There's nothing to worry about anymore."
Emily looked up to Thomas with an unhappy pout on her lips. She had heard everything the Fat Controller had said, but her inner doubts had such a steady hold of her by now, she had gotten a little too used to it. She shook her head again and sighed, feeling her eyes starting to well up with tears.
"Oh, Thomas. I just wish none of this had to come to be," she whimpered. "I'm very sorry...but I give up. I'm sure you'll be very disappointed, and I can't apologize more for it...but I truly don't think you can help me. Not this time. The Fair is here, the people are excited about these inventions, and that's that."
Thomas felt a considerable ache hit his heart to Emily's sad expression and voice, and he sighed softly, feeling most disappointed indeed...but then he remembered what David said the night before and got a little idea.
"Well, my precious emerald...I'm truly sorry with all my heart to find your mind so unchanged with this matter. And I'm even more sorry that I can't help you, so you say...but maybe you're right. Perhaps I'm not the one to rekindle your spirits this time...I've decided I'm leaving that to someone else. You take care now, Emily."
Hearing this suddenly made Emily curious. She looked up to ask what Thomas meant, but then saw he had left his berth and was huffing down the line to start his work. The other engines wondered what Thomas meant by this too as they went on their way to work.
"Oh, no," Emily moaned. "If my cobalt star of all engines can't help me on this matter, who can?"
Thomas made his way to Knapford Station where he saw Percy setting off with a few trucks for the Branch Line. Thomas collected Annie and Clarabel and came to the platform, hissing mournfully. The Fat Controller was waiting at the platform to see him off, and he immediately saw Thomas looking proper sulky.
"Thomas? What's with the sulky look all of a sudden?" he asked.
Thomas looked up. In the midst of all that was going on, he saw a chance to express himself a little.
"I don't wish to look sulky, sir, but I'm glad you asked. It's Emily. She's been feeling awful ever since the first night of the Fair, and I really hoped she would see the fun side of it all like I am."
"And just why is Emily feeling awful about the Fair?" asked the Fat Controller.
Thomas decided to pluck up courage. It was now or never to tell the Fat Controller. He took a deep breath and disclosed everything.
"Alright. Here it is, sir...ever since the Fair started, the other engines have once again been feeling scared that the new inventions will replace us all and become the new way of the railway to modernize it. I admit, even I felt the same way when we first heard the news, but Ruth's words have assured me that will never be the case."
To the Fat Controller, this explanation could not be more predictable.
"Oh, dear. Oh, dear," he said, shaking his head. "I might have known why they've all been sulky now and then. Every time it's about something new and inventive, the engines go through the same thing!"
"I know, sir," said Thomas. "In the past, those fears were not necessary, but now all the engines think their fears really are necessary."
"Well, the engines are wrong to assume such things. Especially Emily," said the Fat Controller. "And it certainly won't do her well to keep lingering in fear, dread and doubt. She's our Safety Engine after all."
"Exactly, sir. Seeing her taking it badly really isn't helping me," said Thomas. "All I want is for her to enjoy it while she can. I've tried all that I could to make her feel better, but she insists that all the inventions so far further her point to worry about being replaced. It's clear that perhaps I can't help her here. And after her insistent fears last night...I think the only other solution now lies with her best friend."
"David?" asked the Fat Controller "What makes you say that, Thomas?"
Thomas suddenly remembered the night before and looked a little nervous.
"I'm glad you asked that, sir," said Thomas. "Before I get to David, it so happens there's a little more to explain to you. Percy was too frightened to take the mail last night, suggesting there might be flying mail vans to do the job instead of him. So I took it for him. But on the way...I saw three individuals on the line who have been coming and going from the Fair since the start."
"Oh? Who might that be, Thomas?" asked the Fat Controller.
Thomas told him all about Baz, Bernie and Sonny, about how shifty and quirky the two men were behaving as the cooks they claimed to be...and about Sonny's shifty behaviour whenever anyone talked to him. Then Thomas told him what he thought he heard the night before. The Fat Controller heard everything and looked quite serious all of a sudden.
"Well, I never," he said. "I didn't send for any Sonny to come to the Mainland. I've never heard of such an engine...and if those two men think for one minute that they're going to steal anything from that Fair, they are wrong! I'll have Phelps and Gallagher looking into it at once!"
"Actually, I don't think you have to do that, sir," said Thomas. "When I got to Arlesburgh last night, I told David everything about those three figures...and about Emily too. He assured me he's attending to the matter himself...and as for Emily, he told me not to worry about her. He says he might have a solution for her, and I trust in his judgement. Therefore, sir...once her work is done, would you please send Emily to Arlesburgh, and call David about it too? I'm sure he can find a way to let her feel happy again...and enjoy the World of Tomorrow while she can."
The Fat Controller thought and pondered these requests. Then sighed with a nod.
"Very well, Thomas. You are right, and so is David. I'll see to it she's on her way as soon as her work is done. For your sake and her's, I do hope David can turn the tables for her current spirits."
"So do I, sir," Thomas agreed. "The most I care about right now is seeing her smile and hearing her laugh."
And as soon as Thomas' passengers arrived and the guards whistle blew, Thomas set off for his Branch Line. The Fat Controller watched him leave, then returned to his office to keep the day progressing until he would make the phone call to David and set everything up for him and Emily.
"The sense of spirit on the Railway has never been the same since this Fair started," he thought sadly to himself.
The hours passed and the day progressed. The engines kept on with their work wherever they went, but with the exception of Thomas and Rebecca, who managed their passengers with a content smile on their faces, the other engines still continued to sulk and pander over their inner aching fears of being replaced. When Thomas passed Percy on his Branch Line, he didn't whistle or smile to Thomas. He just kept an unhappy and slightly panicky look wherever he went. James didn't say a word or think at all about his red paintwork as he went about his day. Nia could only feel her heart beating painfully and she kept sighing deeply. And no matter how fast Gordon went with the express, it did not feel good to be Gordon or even the Shooting Star if he were carrying that shape now.
But none of the engines felt as worried, helpless and left out as Emily. As she managed her passengers throughout the day, all she could do was sulk along the line. She was green with envy in the face and she felt very miserable, and even a little sick. Her boiler carried a steady ache that wouldn't go away, and her head kept spiraling with so many thoughts and images of the railway slowly slipping away from what it currently was and shifting into a futuristic, modernized style with only electric engines like Kenji, flying cars like Ruth's Road Plane and Hover Car. She felt her eyes water up every now and again, and she had to struggle to hold back her tears whenever they began to sit on the rims of her eyes. But even as her tears retreated back into her eyes and away, Emily could not shake away the looming doubt gripping onto her heart...not until she would hear it all for herself.
Further inland on Sodor, David and his crew were keeping busy with meetings and discussions with the Sudrian Police Department, working out the establishment David had proposed concerning Baz, Bernie and Sonny. Even Phelps and Gallagher had taken a fair bit of interest in what David had been thinking and they agreed that David's proposition, while debatably ambitious, would serve well in keeping Sodor and its engines safe, and so the discussions and arrangements went on, but in the midst of it all, David kept thinking carefully about what he could do for Emily and tell her once he had the time.
Meanwhile, as the Railway kept on with its work, and the Technology Fair continued its festivities with guests coming and going, hidden deeply within Maithwaite Forest were the those three fugitives. Baz and Bernie had brought Sonny to the deepest, densest corners of the forest to stay well-hidden while they bided their time, in an attempt to lower all suspicions Sir Robert might have had, until such time came for both men to spring their act and get the plans for the Hover Car locked away in the north tower of the castle.
As for Sonny, he was still feeling very conflicted between helping the men who maintained a strong grip on him, or choosing to be really useful like Thomas said. Ever since the night before, Baz had kept a threatening approach toward Sonny after suggesting he wanted to be really useful, and Sonny felt very stuck in the middle indeed as Baz and Bernie discussed their plans a little further.
"Uhh, Baz?" Bernie eventually asked. "Those plans are indeed lovely, but why don't we take the Metal Man too?"
Baz shut his eyes tight and groaned dreadfully.
"Because the remote's circuits got fried, no thanks to you! Those plans are our best shot to roll in all the dough it can give us, and YOU, Sonny are going to help us on that, with NO fuss!"
"And why should I help you two now?" Sonny asked stubbornly.
"BECAUSE," Baz responded loudly. "Our efforts with the Metal Man failed most embarrassingly! But with those plans hidden inside the castle, they're just waiting to be taken by us!"
"Yes, they are! But I want NOTHING to do with it!" Sonny insisted. "I told you already I want to be really useful, and...well, that's final!"
To this, Baz shot a very narrow glare and suddenly charged up to Sonny, jumping up on his running plate and seizing his cheeks hard.
"Ouch-ouch-ouch!" Sonny flinched and groaned to Baz's hostile treatment. "Baz, I mean it! I really don't-"
"I'll tell YOU what you 'really don't,' want!" Baz interrupted ominously. "You don't want me as your enemy, Sonny!"
"And just what do you mean by that?" Sonny asked.
"You know perfectly well what I mean," Baz threatened. "If you're not going to help us, then you might as well NOT huff along any rails at all!"
Sonny gave a narrow look back to Baz and got a little idea.
"If you scrap me, you have nothing to run away with if you do succeed. It's quite apparent that you do need me...but I'm NOT inclined to help you either way!"
Baz held his glare on Sonny, turned quite red in the face and slowly let go of his face. Sonny held his look on Baz for a few moments more in silence until one of them spoke again.
"My. How bold you are when it's just the three of us around with no one else seeing us," Baz said blankly. "But I know you for the push-over coward you really are under that seemingly sharp face. We'll hunker down here for a fair while yet...until I decide the time is right. Be that plain enough, Sonny?!"
Sonny said nothing as Baz returned to Bernie and they continued to wait out the time until they saw their prime chance.
Later that day, David and his crew had returned to Arlesburgh, with David returning to his house while his crew resumed work on the harbour after many hours more of discussing and arranging the proposition with the Sudrian Police Department. The talks and arrangements weren't quite done yet, but there had been plenty of progress in putting David's planned establishment to action, while keeping the details strictly secret for himself, his crew and the SPD. By now, David's establishment was very close to being approved, and he was anxious for the next meeting he would have concerning these matters.
But upon getting home, David found himself thinking endlessly about Emily again, feeling very sure of how she was feeling about the Technology Fair, and most potently, how she was still afraid of being replaced. Now that he had returned home, David sensed he could now put together what he would have to tell her. It was just a matter of when he would see her next. David spent some time thinking about Emily in the living room until Beatrice came downstairs and saw him.
"Hello, David," she said, making him look up.
"Oh. Hello, Mum," said David.
"Where have you been most of today?" Beatrice asked. "You and your crew have been away since this morning and afternoon."
David knew he had to keep the details of his business secret for now, so he avoided any details.
"Oh. Well, me and my crew were making use of the fresh air along the island for today. All the bustle of the Technology Fair can be tiring for some, so we went looking for some peace and quiet from all the excitement."
"I see," said Beatrice. "Well, you're all back here in good time, and I see your crew is working on the harbour again."
"Yes, they are, Mum," said David. "But it's not going too perfectly for Emily right now, or most of the engines."
"Hmm. I don't have to guess why," said Beatrice. "All those inventions are making them nervous, giving them the impression of being replaced, as usual."
"Yes, Mum," said David. "And Emily's been taking it so badly, I've been wanting to-"
Just then, the phone rang. Beatrice jumped up and went to answer it.
"Oh! I'll get it, David! Let's see who it is," and Beatrice picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"Ah, Beatrice. Is David there?" came a faint voice to David's ears. "I have some business to share with him. About Emily."
"Oh. Right away," said Beatrice, recognizing the voice as she handed the phone to David. "It's for you."
David took the phone and sat down. "Hello?"
"Hello, David."
"Oh! Sir Topham Hatt," said David. "What brings your phone call to us?"
"The topic is Emily, David," said the Fat Controller. "I assume you've heard how she's feeling about the World of Tomorrow, and all the inventions right now?"
"Oh, yes. No need to provide all the details," said David. "I know just how all the engines are feeling...especially my best friend. Thomas told me himself."
"That's why I came to call," said the Fat Controller. "As you know as of last night, Thomas has tried everything to make her feel better, but even his efforts haven't changed her mood. As such, I have made a plan for Emily. Her work is almost done for today, and I'll be sending her to see you. Thomas said you told him not to worry about her, and that you have a solution for her. Therefore, I think it's only right to entrust the matter to you."
David gave a little smile and nodded.
"Of course. I've been following the news of this Technology Fair myself, and I think I know how to solve this issue for Emily. I would be glad to turn the tables for her. As soon as she arrives, she'll hear everything. Thank you, Sir Topham."
Then David hung up and looked to Beatrice.
"I heard it all, David," she said. "I admit these inventions are modern, sleek and eccentric, but they're NOT here to replace or change anything on Sodor."
"And that's the very message I hope to encrypt into my best friend," said David. "All I have to do is piece together how I'm going to tell her...the inventive truth."
Beatrice smiled cleverly as David winked to her. Then he got straight to arranging what he had to do for when the time would come for him to come to the point...
At last, it was late afternoon, with evening coming soon. Emily's work was now done for the day, with all her passengers taken care of. But after a whole day's work on her own and still pondering over all those inventions, she had not felt a hint better about anything concerning the Fair. Without Thomas to help her, it all seemed more and more bleak for her and the other engines. She eventually came huffing back to Knapford Yards and left her coaches in a siding, letting out a most miserable groan of misery. Then she huffed slowly towards Platform One, bound to make her way home to Tidmouth Sheds. But she was suddenly stopped by the sound of someone clearing his throat. She didn't have to think twice to know just who it was. She looked up, and...
"Emily. There you are," said the Fat Controller. "I've been waiting for you."
"Oh...s-sir," Emily said a little nervously, fearing that he had daunting news to deliver. "Me? Why, sir? I haven't been late or early with my passengers."
"No, Emily. You weren't," said the Fat Controller. "But I think you ought to know why I'm addressing you right now."
Emily thought for a moment, then almost answered when the Fat Controller spoke again.
"I just don't know what I'm going to do with all you engines when it comes to new things being brought to Sodor. And you, Emily. You are usually the most sensible engine on my Railway. But ever since the Technology Fair first opened, you've been most needlessly worried indeed! Thomas told me everything this morning."
Emily felt her cheeks go red with a sense of shame. "He...he did, sir?"
"That he did, Emily," said the Fat Controller. "And I must say, I'm considerably disappointed in your mood of late. Thomas has tried all he can to make you feel better, but you and most of the engines have kept under the illusion that you're bound to be replaced by these inventions."
"Why would I think otherwise, sir?" Emily asked. "And how could I feel happy at a time like this? Technology is about using science to invent new and better things...including being better than steam engines. All those inventions are-"
"Ohh," the Fat Controller groaned as he shook his head. "Honestly, Emily. I don't have time to explain everything myself right now! But...I do know someone who has all the time he needs. As such...I would like you to go somewhere for the help you need most right now."
"What help do you mean, sir?" Emily asked. "Even Thomas can't help me now with all I've been feeling."
"Yes, I know that too, Emily. I can see Thomas certainly tried to help you as best he can," said the Fat Controller. "But as he told me this morning, perhaps he isn't the one to help you in this particular matter. I have made some arrangements, and right now, I'd like you to go to Arlesburgh. David is waiting for you."
"But Sir T-"
"No time for it, and no time to fret. Just be on your way now," the Fat Controller stated as he pointed down the line.
Emily hesitated for a moment, then suddenly noticed. She had not seen David about any of this matter yet, and it made her wonder what he would have to say about everything. She looked to the Fat Controller and nodded slowly. Then she set off down the line, having no idea of what she was about to hear. The Fat Controller watched as she went around the bend. Then he slowly smiled.
"Well, well," he said to no one in particular. "Who knows what our navy friend will open her eyes to this evening?"
Meanwhile at Arlesburgh, David was standing outside his house again, thinking about the day so far. He had been kept exceedingly busy of late, with him his crew having spent most of the night before and today having long and detailed talks with the Sudrian Police Department, including Phelps, Gallagher and the Chief about David's proposition of dealing with the potential fugitives on David's radar.
But more important than that for David was being able to see Emily once he had the chance. Ever since he had his phone call with the Fat Controller, he had spent some time putting together the things he felt he had to tell her, and even a few things to show her. He knew of the simple truth he had to disclose to her, and yet there was added assurance he could offer her as well, and he couldn't wait for her to hear it all.
"Everything is set," David said to himself. "I need a word with Emily as soon as she comes. I do hope she makes her way here soon...so I can tell her the truth myself. Meanwhile, with this crisp, bright weather, I'd best take a soak in the harbour channel...like the King of Merpeople himself, Neptune."
And David went inside his house to make ready for an ocean swim until Emily would arrive.
Meanwhile, Emily was huffing along the line, wondering how this visit with David would go, but she still muttered vainly about the Technology Fair as she passed through Haultraugh Station.
"Huh! Electric engines, Mighty Magnets, Milkshake Machines, Metal Men, Hover Cars! Sodor has almost gone off its own senses!"
It wasn't long before Emily looked ahead and saw the village of Arlesburgh up ahead. She went a little faster and huffed through the village until she came to David's house. She came to a stop and expected him to come out. But he didn't. Emily whistled a few times to see if he would come out then. The door opened, but when Emily looked up, she saw Beatrice instead of David.
"Well, hello, Emily," said Beatrice. "So nice to see you made it in time."
"Hello, Beatrice," said Emily. "Where's David? The Fat Controller said I was to meet him."
"Well...perhaps you should explore the village. Maybe the harbour," said Beatrice. "He'll be expecting you."
"Alright," Emily sighed. "Thank you, Beatrice."
And Emily set off further through the village, but couldn't find David. She then reversed carefully along the way she came, until she came along the bridge that went over the Arlesburgh water channel. As she thought a little more about the inventions, she suddenly spoke aloud to herself.
"Ohh, this fear of being replaced, and how it's happened before! I'm too old for this! All the engines have been worried about this topic before. With a few diesels, Harold, and Hugo, and yet those were all nothing to fear over. But now all of this? We shouldn't have to go over his every time something like this happens...but this damned Fair and infernal inventions, I...I...UHH!"
Then Emily ran forward again over the bridge, and she soon came to the pier. Her eyes turned briefly to the Sea Emperor, then she looked out to the sea for a few moments as the sun began to lower and bring on the evening, until she looked down and suddenly slowed to a stop. At the bottom of the pier walkway, she saw a towel, and in the water, swimming in a black swim suit and diving mask, and baring a slender and muscular body which only Emily could recognize, was her best friend. She suddenly gave a gasp and called out.
"David!"
David suddenly dove beneath the surface with a kick of both feet like a dolphin. Emily raised an eyebrow and followed his rippled swimming form beneath the water until she came to the buffers at the end of the pier. Emily looked straight down into the sea, just in time to see David break the surface with a gasp for air. He took one glance upwards and swam to the pier steps. He climbed out, taking the towel with him and came up the stairs. Emily reversed along the line until she saw him making for his house. She opened her mouth to speak, but David held his finger up to her, signaling he would be back shortly.
Emily waited for a few minutes, preparing herself to explain whatever she needed to explain for David. Then suddenly, Emily heard footsteps from behind her. She looked back, and there was David, dressed in his usual wear again. Emily watched silently as he gave a little glance to her and came up to her front. Emily looked closer and could see a fair bundle under his arm consisting of a large book and a pamphlet.
"David..." Emily said a little feebly. "I...I know you wanted to see me...I..."
David held up his hand, which made Emily go quiet. He looked her square in the eye and opened the pamphlet. Emily recognized it at once as a pamphlet advertising the World of Tomorrow Technology Fair, quite like the banner that Sir Robert had flown in the sky during the preparations. Emily stared at it for a few moments, then looked to David as he folded it up again and put it in his inner pockets.
"An inventor's work deserves more audience from the likes of Sodor's Safety Engine," he remarked.
"I...yes, David," Emily said softly.
David shook his head and gave a stern smile.
"I've followed everything about the Fair so far, Emily, and I know just what's been happening with those inventions. What I want to know right now is...what have you been doing all this time?"
Emily spent the next few minutes explaining everything to David about the preparations she had partaken in for the Fair, seeing Kenji, and just how she and most of the other engines were feeling, all to which David understood and listened. Then Emily spoke as to why she was behaving the way she was.
"I know we've felt this way before, David," she said. "But never have there been so many inventions at this magnitude. It is called the World of Tomorrow after all, and many of us feel like it's a bad sign that times are changing."
"And just why you feel your worries are warranted this time as opposed to all the previous times this feeling has come about?" David asked.
"Because through the nightmares and daydreams I've been having, I foresaw all of us being replaced, David. I am NOT inclined to let that happen. We engines of the Steam Team should be irreplaceable, but looming doubt has been gripping on my boiler like never before. And I think it's a miracle I'm talking with you now. Otherwise, I might have started doing something I don't EVER want to do."
"What do you mean, Emily?" David asked.
"Well...through everything I've been feeling up to now, I just started sensing a new fear which I MUST NOT let come true. I'm very scared that I might start bossing the inventors to make them leave us alone...in the same way you bossed Donald and Douglas through your grudge."
David stared at Emily with a most deadbeat expression before he answered.
"I was wrong. It was fear for your safety that drove my vendetta against them. What are you most afraid of?"
Emily turned nearly purple in the face with most sheepish embarrassment. "...Being replaced."
David raised an eyebrow. "Because the inventions are all so new? Because they're being presented on stage?"
Emily nodded without a word, feeling even more ashamed. David looked curiously at Emily and climbed on her running plate.
"It...it's just too much, David," said Emily. "I know we shouldn't be feeling this way whenever something new comes along, but never have any of us seen so many inventions that are so very new, sleek and modern."
David softly petted Emily's cheek and trailed his finger along her chin.
"My sweet, beautiful emerald. This isn't the first time you've all worried about 'out with the old, in with the new.' Believe me, I know just how you feel. All of this worry and speculation of new things has happened before, Emily. Particularly with you, consisting of times when you felt inadequate or wishing to be more than you thought you were. And given all these inventions, I can see why you feel the way you do."
Emily looked into his eyes and nodded slowly.
"But I have other business to discuss with you," David continued. "Seeing how this has happened a few times before, and given just how many inventions there are at this Fair, I think there's something I should come out with and tell you."
"What's that, David?" Emily asked.
"I see no point in beating about the bush, Emily," said David. "You've all speculated about being replaced in the past, but given your speculations and worries right now, I have to be absolutely frank and uncompromising...with the inventive truth."
"What truth, David?" Emily asked. "And why do you say inventive?"
David looked at Emily and gently touched her cheek with a little glimmer in his eyes.
"Here it is, Emily. The inventive truth is...there ARE inventions out there that are faster, stronger and more efficient than steam engines. There are inventions that can do things that steam engines can't, and there are inventions that are more powerful, and more financially wise than steam engines. It's not worth competing or speculating over. It's just the facts."
Emily heard everything David just said and felt her heart pulse in a certain way. Nothing major or painful, but still leaving a solid impression in its way. To hear the bare-bones facts with no exaggeration or downplayed nature about any of it made her breath steadily and strongly.
"So...that's that, then," she mumbled. "So it's true..."
"But with that said, Emily," David went on. "Just because something is new and modern doesn't mean it's better or more meaningful than the engines of the island of Sodor. You're all inventions too, you know."
Emily looked up to David.
"That's right. You should know; Steam engines are inventions, Emily," said David. "True, they started at a much older age, back in the 1800's, and there were even experiments and attempts at it in the late 1780's, but that doesn't change anything about my point. Steam engines are one of the most impressive inventions of all time, and you know fully well that Sir Topham Hatt would NEVER replace his engines. You're all really useful and much more important to Sodor than any invention."
Emily felt her heart beating warmly with a sense of assurance, but still felt some doubt lingering inside her. Then she whispered like she did when Thomas told her how beautiful she was when he brought her back to the light.
"We're inventions too. I...I never thought of it that way. Thank you, David. But I...I still feel the sense of doubt. I want to shake it away. But how?"
To this, David thought for a few moments, then decided to work it all into what he had planned to tell her.
"Alright, then, Emily. To give you a better understanding of the inventions there are and how they've evolved over time, we have to go over steam engines and diesels first. I'm aware you know them inside out, but to really understand my point, we do need to recap them."
Emily sighed. "Alright. But I don't know what good it will do."
David then straightened himself where he sat, then spoke first of steam engines, while Emily listened.
"Steam engines were the first machines used to pull trains. Before the steam engine, horses would pull trains along the track. The way a steam engine works is simple. Coal or wood is burned in the firebox, heating the water in the boiler to make steam. It's the expanding pressure of the steam which drives the engine. The steam is transferred through pipes, into the pressure chambers containing the pistons that slide back and forth inside. The sliding valves alternate between each end of each cylinder to move the piston. As the pistons move, the side rods connected to the piston turn the wheels of the engine."
Emily nodded slowly, having listened to everything David said. "Alright, then. That's steam engines. Diesels next..."
David nodded and went on.
"Diesel engines were first used in locomotives in the 1930's. They don't rely on coal and water, but rather on oil and liquefied diesel fuel, which can generate much more power than a steam engine. A diesel engine's power is run by a motor that transfers the fuselage through gears and fuel pipes as opposed to pistons and pressure chambers. Diesel fuel also gives off less smoke than wood and coal in steam engines, but still powers them across the rails."
"Okay," said Emily. "Steam engines came after horses, and diesels came after steam engines. Are...are there any other examples of railway functions that were made better by inventions over time?"
"Of course there are, Emily," said David. "Think about the signals that determine whether it's safe to go, or that you must stop. They weren't always the way they are now."
"They weren't?" Emily asked.
David shook his head and spoke about signals next.
"Train signals. Trains are often long and heavy. They can be very hard to stop, especially in an emergency. For safety, signals are necessary to let the engine and driver know if it's safe to proceed. In the early days of railways, signals were given by signalmen holding different coloured flags and lamps. As trains could go faster, signals became automated and now use mechanical flags and electric lights. There are three signals that tell the driver how to control the engine. All clear, proceed with caution, stop."
Emily nodded to everything she heard. "I see...now, did timetables shift and change over time, David?"
David got straight to the details.
"Timetables. It is very important that trains run on time. Many countries around the world rely on railways alongside air travel and road systems to transport the building blocks of their economies, such as food, materials, and mail and postage. As such, timetables have to be scrambled and put together each and every day to get these deeds done. In the early days, most timetables were written by pen and paper, but now they're put together using typewriters and printing presses which can print multiple copies for all the railway stationmasters, ensuring that all the train's schedules can be calibrated and worked out in as orderly a fashion as possible. These timetables also help keep the railway safe by making sure that two trains don't end up at the same place at the same time. The large clocks at the stations help keep the trains running on schedule."
"Hmm," Emily hummed with interest. "So there have been little changes over the years...and they certainly have made things operate in new and better ways."
"And that includes steam engines and diesels alike here on Sodor, Emily," said David. "Times are not going to change in the way you and the others have been worrying over recently...but in each and every one of us, times do change in some ways. Keep in mind, you weren't exactly the way you are now when you first came to Sodor. You had bronze buffers, black housings and no number. And then one day, here you are with lovely silver buffers, red buffer housings and the No. 12."
"You're right, David," said Emily. "And these changes for me are most welcome."
"Not to mention the way I changed over time," said David. "As a little four-year old lad, I had toys to play with, a high, bird-like voice, and skinny little arms for reading the storybooks of Thomas. And then one day, boom! I captain my own ship, I sound like an Etonian from London...and these muscles flex out!"
To this, Emily couldn't help but flirt sweetly. "Indeed, they did for you, David. Ooh, it's so nice to have a big, strong Jock as my navy mentor!"
David had to laugh and kiss Emily's cheek in response, making her giggle happily.
"You do see what I mean, don't you, Emily?" he said as they calmed down again. "Times have changed, but they will NOT change the fact that you are all really useful, and always will be."
"I do, David. I do," said Emily. "Thank you."
"But I haven't quite told you all," said David, sounding noticeably serious now. "Given how you've been feeling lately, I do have to address one thing about your fears."
"What's that, David?" Emily asked.
"This book will help make my point," said David.
Emily watched as David revealed the book to her eyes. The cover showed a large American flag, with a few steam engines and diesels lined up along with it.
"That's...the North American Railroad, David," Emily asked. "Since when do you keep books about North America here on Sodor, David?"
"When I have the time, I like exploring facts about other parts of the world, a little like Thomas," said David. "In this book, there are quite a few steam engines which I think you'll find intriguing, and may provide a little more to reassure you of never being replaced here...because in America, that actually did come to be."
Emily held her breath and swallowed when she heard this, but managed to stay calm, ready to see what David would show her.
"Alright, David. Show me what there is to see."
David opened the book and flipped through several pages until he came to around the middle, where Emily saw many pictures of streamlined American engines.
"Ooh," said Emily. "What are all these engines? They look streamlined."
David spoke again as he showed the pictures to Emily.
"In North America, steam engines reached their peak in the 1930's. Those years were a prime era for architecture, songs, poems and industrial design. Among these prime areas included inventions too, and those inventions were streamlined steam engines. To compete with airplanes and cars, the American railroads hired industrial designers such as Raymond Lowey and Henry Dreyfuss to create futuristic-looking steam engines. The result was a series of spectacular and colourful designs that are as stunning today as they were decades ago. Right here are some of the most famous North American streamliners, including the New York Central Empire State Express, the Dreyfuss Hudson, which is Connor's engine class, and the first streamlined steamer, the Commodore Vanderbilt from 1934."
"Wow...I've never seen anything like those!" Emily gleamed, quite like she did with Kenji. "And I can easily see Connor in that Hudson!"
David turned to another page, showing a few more steam engines, which Emily was immediately intrigued by as he spoke further.
"The Milwaukee Road was mighty proud of their Hiawatha, which ran along the Mississippi River to St. Paul, Minnesota. The Union Pacific's 49er provided top quality passenger service in San Francisco. Raymond Lowy was likely inspired by the look of rockets when he designed the Pennsylvania Railroad's Torpedo, which is what Gordon's temporary Shooting Star design was surely inspired by, the more I think about it."
"Yes, yes...I can see it," said Emily. "He certainly did look very like the Torpedo when I saw him that day."
Then David turned to another page, revealing a large black, silver, orange and red steam engine which Emily gaped to in astonishment.
"But among all these American steamers, I think this is most impressive of all," said David. "The Southern Pacific 4449 Daylight."
"Wow!" Emily gasped softly as David spoke further. "Oh, my goodness! It's SO beautiful!"
"Indeed it is, Emily. The Daylight was a most inspired steam engine in North America. It was a consummate design, and it cast a most wonderful sight as it ran along the Pacific Ocean between Los Angeles and San Francisco throughout the 1940's and 50's. But now...to get to the point I was aiming for. All these gorgeous steam engines were beautiful to behold for many years, but sadly in North America, they were ultimately doomed. More powerful and less costly to maintain, diesels eventually came along and truly did replace steam power in North America. And so today, almost all trains in America are pulled by diesel or electric engines. Only a small number of steam engines still operate there now."
Then David closed the book and looked at Emily. She had heard everything and felt a solid stance in her heart as she took it in for a few moments.
"So...it's true," she said quietly. "In other places in the world, steam engines were indeed replaced."
"And yet," said David. "Here on Sodor, the Mainland and a few other places too, all the steam engines and diesels that there are continue to work. Through all the progress inventions have made over the years...you are all still here, and you always will be."
Then David went silent as he looked to Emily again. She looked downwards and took everything in, considering in her mind. There was indeed no point in competing or speculating over inventions being new and stronger than steam engines...but David's reassurance was true. Just because something is new doesn't always mean it's better. And that's when Emily closed her eyes and she suddenly remembered what the Fat Controller had told Gordon when he was worrying about not having enough tenders and when Diesel suggested diesels were taking over...
"Cheer up, Gordon," said the Fat Controller.
"I can't, sir," said Gordon. "Is it true what Diesel says, sir?"
"What does he say?"
"That diesels are taking over."
"Don't worry, Gordon. That will never happen on my railway."
"And one more thing, sir. Why did the visitor have two tenders?"
"Because he lives on a railway with long distances between coaling depots."
Emily opened her eyes again and looked right to David for a few moments. David wondered what she would do or say. Then she got an idea. She suddenly put on a mournful look, which took David by surprise. And yet he wondered...
"Cheer up, Emily," he said at once, listening for what would come next.
"I can't, David," Emily said at once, working it in. "Is it true what most of the engines are thinking?"
"What do they think?"
"That we'll all be replaced by these new inventions."
David gave a narrow, but humoring smile to his best friend. "Don't worry, Emily. That will never happen on this railway."
Emily gave a tiny wink and went on. "And one more thing, David. Why are these inventions being shown on the stage?"
"Because the inventors wish to share how their inventions work so as to give people something to experiment with, until the Fair wraps up and leaves Sodor. And there you have it, Emily. The point I have to make is that on other railways in different countries, such changes have occurred. But here on the Island of Sodor and the Mainland, that is one area that will never, ever change. These inventions are just a chance for people to have a glimpse of what's coming ahead for them to experiment with, but all the steam engines of the North Western Railway are here to stay, and that will always remain to be true, for as long as there is responsibility, reliability and the spirit of being really useful."
Emily nodded slowly and smiled steadily. "So...that's the inventive truth, is it, David?"
"That's the inventive truth, Emily. Pretty amazing, don't you think?" said David. "And so, my point stands true as true can be. You are all really useful and much more important to Sodor than any invention."
And in that moment, Emily slowly drew a big smile, and at long last, she felt much better. All the aching doubt she had been carrying for the past few days steadily lifted away from her heart and out of her boiler. After hearing everything David had told her, she now saw both sides clearly, and that was more than she needed to at long last feel the reassurance Thomas felt when Ruth told her what she thought of steam engines and the railway. David watched as Emily took a deep breath, closed her eyes and let off a hiss of steam, as if to let out all that doubt. And as her steam floated upwards into the air, she opened her eyes again.
"Oh...David," she gleamed. "Everything you've told me...I...I don't think I've ever felt so good about being able to see inventions like these. I think now, I fully and truly believe Thomas was right. What have I been missing?"
"Well. Only one way to find out," said David. "So, Emily. Now that you've heard the inventive truth concerning all sides...what are you going to do about the Technology Fair now?"
Emily looked down to her buffers, clearly thinking. Then she looked up to David and smiled broadly.
"I'm going to enjoy the Fair, David. As much as I can," she said eagerly. "Now that you've shed the light on this matter...I think I can see the inventions more as an interesting experiment for me to look back on with admiration."
To this, David smiled and petted her cheek softly, then gently tapped the tip of her nose.
"That's my girl," he said. "Tomorrow, go and see what you've been missing out on."
"Oh-ho-ho! I'd love to!" Emily gasped happily as David spread his arms and hugged her face, while she closed her eyes and smiled fully.
"Also be sure to make friends and acquaintances out of the inventors if you can, Emily. I'm sure they'd love to see a beautiful emerald invention such as you."
"Oh, I will, David!" Emily chirped as he let go. "I...I just...ho-ho...how can I ever thank you?"
David reached into his inner pockets. "I only wish I could do more. Here."
Emily saw what he took out, and suddenly felt her boiler bubble with such joy and delight as David placed her beloved Friendship Chain around her buffer, with its red heart gleaming pure red in the setting sun. To see the beloved keepsake Beatrice had given her hanging around her buffer again made Emily's heart beat as big and red as the heart she saw on that silver chain.
"Oh, David...my best friend ever! Thank you for everything and all that you do!"
David stepped down from her running plate and deepened his smile.
"It's my greatest pleasure to see you smile again, Emily," he said. "And...keep this a surprise for Thomas...after you've seen the inventions. Let him guess about your newfound joy for a while, then let him find out when you see fit."
Emily giggled and agreed immediately. "I love the way you think, David. I fully agree with having Tommy guess."
"Now off you go, Emily," said David. "I'll accompany you at the Fair tomorrow if I can."
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow, then. At the World of Tomorrow," Emily giggled.
Then she whistled with ever-bubbling joy and fervor and swiftly set off on her way out of Arlesburgh, feeling much better about everything. After all the worry, speculation and fear she had been feeling with the other engines, it was a complete transformation for Emily, and she now couldn't wait to see those inventions for herself.
As evening fell and the light began to fade, Thomas was the first to return to Tidmouth Sheds. All throughout the day, he had been thinking about the Fat Controller's plan for Emily and David, and he knew by this time she was surely at Arlesburgh talking to David. After all his attempts to make Emily feel better ended up not working this time, all he could hope for was that David had indeed managed to turn the tables for her spirits and that she would finally be able to enjoy the Technology Fair while she could.
"If David can't rekindle Emily's spirits about this Fair, no one can," Thomas thought. "I'll just have to see what happens when she comes along again."
Then sure enough, the sound of Emily's whistle split the air. Thomas looked up at once and could hear her coming closer. Then as he saw a line of smoke around the bend, Emily came hurrying back to Tidmouth Sheds. Thomas half expected she would be panicking and wallowing in fear again, but something was different. It almost looked like she was trying not to smile, but her lips kept curving up a little as she turned around to her berth and backed inside. Thomas looked closer and could see she was no longer glum or miserable...then he saw her Friendship Chain again, which made him curious at once.
"Uh...hello, Emily," he said slowly.
Emily looked at him at once, and spoke quickly, but cheerfully. "Hello, Thomas."
"E...Emily?" Thomas puzzled. "You looked so worried and let down this morning. Now, you seem so...chipper...and you're wearing your Friendship Chain again. What have you been up to?"
Emily had it all worked out. "You know. Passenger duties from here to there, and there to here...and of course, thinking deeply to myself about the Fair again."
"What about this evening?" asked Thomas. "Did...did you see-"
"Yes, I saw David. The Fat Controller sent me to see him himself," said Emily. "We sat together, and talked together about a great many things."
Thomas was now even more curious. "What things?"
Emily gave a narrow smile and eyes to Thomas. "That's for me to know...and you to find out...along with even more for me to see...tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Thomas asked. "Please, Emily. Tell me, what's this all-"
"Uh-uh-uhh," Emily teased. "Not until tomorrow comes, Tommy. I have lots to do tomorrow, and I need a good night's sleep for all of that."
Before Thomas could say another word, Emily reversed into her berth, uttering a tiny giggle as she did. Thomas thought of persisting in his questions, but then thought it best not to press Emily too hard. The other engines came by later, and aside from Rebecca, they were still worrying and speculating about the Fair and being replaced by inventions. By now, Thomas decided he had given up on making them feel better...but he also noticed that Emily didn't join in all the speculating and worrying. Eventually, night fell and the engines all fell asleep.
Emily stayed awake for a few moments more as she looked to all the engines once more, thinking all about what she would be doing the next day. It was going to be quite interesting indeed, and she would not waste a moment of any of it. As she thought once more about all the worrying the engines were ensnared in, she gave a quiet giggle.
"Hm-hm. Silly worrying," she whispered. "They just don't understand what they've been missing. But tomorrow...I will. Ahh..."
And for the first time in quite a few nights, Emily fell asleep with a happy sigh and she slept well all night, eager to see everything she could the next day.
Now the stupidly overused trope of engines worrying about being replaced can be put to rest for good, hopefully. Little bit of a history lesson in this chapter, but it worked with what we were going for. There should only be two more chapters left, with the next one focusing on Emily actually giving the Fair a proper chance. Until then, tell us what you thought about this chapter, and as always, stay safe.