"Tornado, a word if you please," City of Truro called out to the Young Iron as she made her way through the museum yards.
Tornado rolled her eyes and backed down towards where Truro sat patiently.
"Don't roll your eyes at me, it's rude," he reprimanded and Tornado frowned.
"Oh so now you're acting like a parent to me are you?" She asked petulantly and Truro frowned.
"If you insist on acting like a child, yes," he admonished her. "Your behaviour has been very inappropriate recently."
Tornado sighed and looked away from Truro. She knew that but she was extremely frustrated with the current situation.
She hadn't seen Flying Scotsman for over a year. she'd been hoping Ms Olivia would come back at the start of May as she'd promised, however she'd become pregnant and decided to stay on Sodor with the baby's father and in addition, Rebecca had gone to Sodor leaving her on the mainland without her main support group.
To add insult to injury, Green Arrow was going to be stationed at Sodor which infuriated her.
She didn't want that slimy git anywhere near Flying Scotsman after what had happened in Ulfstead mines. He could go after him again and hurt him and it pissed Tornado off.
"I know that but I'm just…" she stopped herself from saying lonely and instead focused on her rage for Arrow. "Why is Green Arrow going anywhere near Scott? What is Ms Olivia thinking agreeing to this? After what he did he should be-"
"Tornado," Truro interrupted her. "Green Arrow being sent to Sodor was partially Scott's idea. Ms Olivia is staying on Sodor to keep a close eye on the situation. Scott is completely aware of what is going on."
"Yes but Ms Olivia is also staying because she's having a baby," Tornado pointed out. "What if something happens and she's unable to deal with it? And why is Scott still giving that idiot a chance! Arrow tried to get him scrapped Truro!"
Truro paused.
Tornado was still young and clearly getting into her rebellious teenage years. She was getting upset at all the new changes and struggling to comprehend that things probably might not be the same.
She did have a point though, lot of engines were nervous about Green Arrow being so close to the Flying Scotsman, himself included.
But Scott had approved of the plan. Braunton had speculated that Scott wanted to teach Arrow a few lessons himself.
Spencer had voiced a desire to do so himself, having his own vendetta against the V2 for past misdeeds. And Spencer was usually based on Sodor which made it easy for the Silver Engine to get a hold of engine.
Either way, Truro would hate to be Green Arrow right now.
"I trust Scott," Truro said. "And the engines of Sodor aren't fond of him either if I recall. Scott might be somewhat impaired with his recovery but this is Scott we're talking about. Green Arrow will be lucky to get away with anything while he's around. You haven't seen him at his most devious. And considering he has the Sudrian Engines on his side, Arrow isn't going to have a good time now is he?"
Tornado pursed her lips and gazed at the tracks.
She knew Truro was right. If Green Arrow even got some dust on another engine he'd most probably be punished severely by some means.
"I suppose not," she mumbled and looked up at Truro. "I just, I just, I feel overworked and, I miss Scott, I miss Olivia and now I can't see Rebecca anymore."
Truro looked on at Tornado as her face showed her true exhaustion.
The NRM had put her on a gruelling schedule as being a new engine they figured she would be able to take the load. She hadn't complained or spoken up about it probably because she didn't want to upset Ms Olivia or the A1 Trust.
She looked broken and tired which was particularly distressing as she was a young engine.
Truro felt sympathetic towards her.
"I shall talk to Stainer on your behalf," Truro said and Tornado looked up at him with an appreciative smile. "But you should have told Ms Olivia or the A1 Trust that you were being overworked."
"I know, I just, I'm in Scott's place now, he's a hard act to follow," Tornado gave a heavy sigh. "I don't want to upset him or Ms Olivia. She's my friend. And the A1 Trust wants me to be out and about as much as possible for promotions and exposure."
"Olivia cares about you, she wouldn't have wanted you to be exhausted like this," Truro assured her. "She probably didn't realise, considering how busy she is. The A1 Trust entrusted you to us, if you told them they'd surely listen, you are their pride and joy."
Tornado gave Truro a tired smile. She knew he was right.
"I'm sorry for being such a pest," she apologised. "I know I've been horrible to work with lately."
"Bittern's done nothing but complain about your attitude," Truro said exasperated.
"Oh he complains about everything," Tornado huffed annoyed and Truro laughed. "Just because he has Scott's tender at the moment."
"Scott's tender does seem to make either of you increasingly annoying. It's like some kind of strange power," Truro observed and Tornado pouted at him. "If only it made you more charming like he is."
"It doesn't make me annoying!"
"Yes it does, ask PenPen or Braunton."
Tornado said nothing, only response, only huffing indignantly.
"I'm very disappointed in you Gordon," Sir Topham scolded Gordon one night at Tidmouth Sheds. "It's been a week now and you've done nothing but antagonise and bully Rebecca."
"Sir, I don't need anyone to assist me with the express," Gordon stubbornly argued and the Fat Controller facepalmed in frustration.
"I've given you plenty of chances to stop Gordon but this has gone on too long," the Fat Controller frowned. "From now on Henry and James will pull the express until you apologise and be civil towards Rebecca. You can pull Henry's goods trains instead."
Gordon looked absolutely murderous at his words.
"I WILL NOT!" He thundered furiously but his tantrum was dismissed by the Fat Controller.
"We have another engine assisting us with Rebecca," he said dismissing amd ignoring Gordon's protests. "He will be pulling mixed traffic and is being borrowed from the Museum and arriving tonight."
"Who is it sir?" Thomas asked excitedly.
The Fat Controller was silent for a long moment, apprehensive and nervous.
"It was partially suggested by Flying Scotsman himself," he explained hesitantly. "As the museum is struggling to find a use for him. The engine is Green Arrow."
A deadly silence hung over the sheds. Even Gordon, who had moments before been fuming and ranting had gone silent in disbelief.
"Green Arrow sir?" James suddenly spoke up. "The engine that tried to have the Flying Scotsman scrapped?!"
"This is outrageous!" Gordon snarled angrily, his previous strope about pulling goods trains completely forgotten. "Arrow sir? You'd really have that vile engine this close to my brother after what he did?"
"Steps have been taken to make sure that Arrow does not come into contact with Scotsman," Sir Topham said but the engines didn't look convinced.
"He betrayed Tornado's trust," Emily put in. "We can't trust someone like that sir."
"Sir this is a really bad idea," Henry urged the Fat Controller. "Green Arrow tried to kill another engine, an engine that is our friend, we don't take that lightly."
"I am aware," Sir Topham said. "However there are people hunting Green Arrow down to scrap him. The Flying Scotsman is against this and wishes to help him. No other railway will take him and so, Sodor is his last chance."
Another silence fell over the sheds.
"My brother is often ridiculous but this?"
"Scotsman is terrified of scrapping," Percy theorised quietly. "It would make sense that he'd want to save others from that fate."
"But Green Arrow!" Gordon argued. "What's so special about him anyway?"
"He is the sole survivor of his class," the Fat Controller explained. "Spencer and Rebecca will be keeping a very close eye on him, but I expect you to at the very least have the courtesy not to bully him like Gordon has been bullying Rebecca."
The Fat Controller glared pointedly at Gordon who seemed to shrink under his gaze but still held his stance.
"Sir, my brother, I don't want anyone to hurt him, I'll apologise to Rebecca! I'll pull any amount of goods trains you want, but please don't let that engine near my brother," Gordon pleaded desperately.
The other engines were silent. It was rare to see Gordon display such raw emotion.
Sir Topham saw how much distress his big engine was in and gave a sad smile.
"I'll do everything I can to make sure Green Arrow goes nowhere near Flying Scotsman," Sir Topham promised Gordon. "However the Scotsman himself may try to talk or work with him but that is entirely his choice."
The Grand Pacific didn't like what was happening but he knew that if his brother decided upon something then he could be as stubborn as himself.
Gordon didn't speak, he only reversed back into his berth silently with a dark expression on his face.
Sir Topham had rarely seen his number 4 in such a mood but he knew not to push it.
A heavy and dark atmosphere hung over Tidmouth.
The engines didn't speak to each other at all that night.
"Hello Spencer."
Spencer was extremely surprised to find the A1 Peppercorn Tornado rolling up beside him.
The both of them did not like each other in the slightest, Spencer having feeling threatened by the Young Iron and trying to get her scrapped. His actions had turned the Flying Scotsman against him and Scotsman wasn't shy of letting his displeasure known.
Tornado mostly ignored or sneered at Spencer and he did the same despite the fact he had apologised, they had no love for one another in the slightest.
"Tornado," he acknowledged her. "We don't exactly speak."
"No, we don't but you're mostly on Sodor yes?"
Spencer realised what she was insinuating.
"You want me to keep an eye on Green Arrow while I'm there?" He asked and Tornado gave a small smile.
"If you wouldn't mind," Tornado suggested and Spencer smiled at her.
"I'll be sure to keep a wheel on that nasty slimy snake for a lot of our sakes," Spencer said with a sly smile. "You can count on me, Young Iron. One wheel out of place and he'll receive hell from me, Rebecca or Gordon."
Tornado and Spencer sat awkwardly together for a long moment.
"How is Gordon and Scott?" Tornado hesitated to ask.
"Scott is good, he's doing well despite his faults and Gordon is still, well, Gordon," Spencer answered and Tornado just smiled at that.
"Do you and Scott talk often?" Tornado pressed and Spencer knew that Tornado was desperate for news on her brothers.
Spencer and Tornado had their differences but Spencer was not one to withhold information of someone's family from them.
Spencer saw Tornado for the very first time as not a threat but a young lady who simply wanted her big brothers. He felt sympathy for her.
It must have been difficult for her to approach him, especially after the harm he had caused her in the past.
"We talk whenever I go to Ulfstead Castle and he's on display, we haven't fully settled our differences but we are being civil with each other," He revealed. "He asks about you everytime we talk."
Tornado's cheeks burned and she blushed embarrassed.
"That's wonderful," Tornado said quietly.
There was an awkward pause.
"Well," Tornado coughed clearing her throat. "I best get going, express to pull and all that."
Spencer watched as she slowly began to pull away.
"Tornado," he called after her. She paused and looked back at him.
"I truly am sorry for trying to frame you for stealing the Duchess's coaches," Spencer spoke kindly to her. "I know I apologised to you before but I wanted to reiterate it."
Tornado gazed at Spencer for a second before giving him a small hesitant smile.
"Thanks Spencer," she said.
"If you want me to pass on a message to your brothers I can if you like," Spencer offered.
"Oh I um, I'd like that thank-you!" Tornado said pleasantly surprised.
"Well, I'm leaving for Sodor at the end of the week, did you want to catch up with me before then?"
"I um, sure," Tornado mumbled and Spencer smiled at her.
"Alright then, good luck with your express Young Iron."
"Thanks Spencer."
Green Arrow flinched as the tarpaulins were removed from him and he was blinded by bright lights.
The journey from Crewe works had been one in complete darkness and terror. They had bound him entirely in tarpaulins, clamped his wheels and hauled him onto the back of a truck in the most undignified fashion.
The truck had jerked and shook horribly in ways that he never wanted to experience. The lack of control and being unable to see anything had terrified him the entire day long journey.
His wheels shook as they placed him back on the rails and slowly began to unwrap him like some kind of children's present.
As his eyes adjusted from complete darkness to light he saw a small red narrow gauge engine, a little crane and two stern looking people in front of him.
One was the Director of the NRM, Olivia Spence who was staring at him with her arms crossed and a very displeased face. The other was Sir Topham Hatt the 3rd who had an equally displeased expression on him.
His pupils shrunk in fear and he looked away from them in shame and fear.
Olivia turned to look at the small narrow gauge engine.
"Victor, I want him completely checked over and in working order as soon as you can," she ordered.
"Yes ma'am, I shall start right away," the engine, Victor, answered the stern woman's order with a chirp.
Ms Olivia turned to look Green Arrow over with a calculating gaze before turning to Sir Topham.
"Are you sure about this?" She asked him. "He's a known troublemaker and your engines have made it very clear they are against this."
"Sodor has been called by many as the last haven for Steam Engines," Sir Topham said looking up at Olivia with a confident gaze. "I would like to honour that reputation. Who knows, maybe Green Arrow will be a pleasant surprise."
Sir Topham approached Green Arrow with a hopeful gaze.
"His class was always celebrated as one of the better mixed traffic engines," he said curiously. "And he was extremely pleasant when he first met Thomas on that rail tour."
"A lot of time has passed since then," Olivia pointed out. "And if the V2's were so good, why didn't your family purchase one?"
"We had James," Sir Topham argued. "And James is one of our most reliable engines. We felt no need to buy an engine that would just take up more space and money when it wasn't necessary."
"Well, Green Arrow is the last one and now he's yours for the time being," Olivia said.
She stared at Green Arrow who still avoided their gaze and just sat there with a blank expression on his face.
"Well? Anything to say for yourself Arrow?" She asked but the engine didn't answer, he just sat there blank and emotionless.
Olivia gave an exasperated sigh.
"He hasn't spoken since being pulled out of the storage shed," she said with an annoyed frown. "Even the engineers at Crewe couldn't get a peep out of him. He just does as he's tasked without a word. Either he's gone mute or refusing to speak."
Sir Topham stared up at the silent V2 who didn't respond.
"You'll be under my railway from this point forward so you answer to me, any trouble, any incidents and I'll send you back to Ms Olivia and the Museum is that understood?" Sir Topham said sternly and all Green Arrow did was simply look at him.
"This is your last chance Green Arrow," Olivia said coldly. "You get sent back to us at the museum and you'll be turned into a permanent exhibit, is that understood?"
The fright in Green Arrow's eyes and his expression of pure fear was enough to convince them that he understood how serious it was.
"Good," Olivia said with a sad look. "I don't ever want to threaten an engine with such a fate but we don't have any options left. Cain's associates are after you and I would prefer to keep you running. Here you'll be consistently maintained and protected. You are the last of your class and it would be a shame to lose you. You are to keep your distance from the Flying Scotsman."
"Gordon has made it clear that he will not welcome you here as have a lot of the engines," Sir Topham explained. "But I want you to do your best and run as best you can."
Green Arrow only looked defeated at the Fat Controller's words.
Seeing as they weren't going to get anything out of the engine the two began to leave.
"Do your best Green Arrow," Olivia said with a half hearted smile. "I don't want you returned to me in disgrace."
Green Arrow said nothing.
He only stared after them with a completely depressed look in his eyes.