By this time, all of the other engines of Sodor had arrived, along with all the officials of Sodor, to hear Diesel 10 speak. Paxton and Norman had done their job well, for all of those who gathered were eager to hear about the state of their island.
Just then, Diesel 10 arrived, armed with the Vicar and the Reverend of Sodor, singing their praises. Everyone was very surprised.
"Look at him!" The Mayor shouted, amazed. "See how he prays between two clergymen!"
"Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem..." Diesel 10 hummed quietly, as he strode into the yards with the Vicar and Reverend on board.
"Two props of virtue for a Christian controller, to prevent him from ever becoming vain." Paxton replied. "And, see, his operators have a prayer book in each hand, the signs of a holy diesel. Most gracious Diesel 10-pardon us for interrupting your righteous, Christian prayer. Please listen favorably to our request."
Diesel 10 paused abruptly, faking his surprise to see everyone there waiting for him. This plan was working, but could he keep it up? Of course, he could- for he knew exactly what to say- but would the other engines buy his charade?
"My dear Paxton, you don't need to apologize. I beg you to pardon me. I've been so intent on serving the Lord that I've kept my faithful friends waiting. In any case, what would you like?"
Everyone was amazed- they had never thought of Diesel 10 to be such a spiritual diesel. He was always so crude, vicious, and violent- could he have turned a new leaf? They just had wait and see.
"Only what, I hope, will please God above and all good engines on this island, which currently has no controller." Paxton answered.
"I understand that I have committed some offenses to the island and you lot have come to reprimand me for said actions." The ochre diesel continued, sullenly.
"We know you have, sir. I hope you'll make up for it!" Paxton chirped.
"Why else would I live on a Christian island, if I can't ask forgiveness for my faults?" Diesel 10 questioned, warily.
"Then you should know that we take fault with you not accepting the role of Controller," Norman replied this time. "Sir Topham Hatt was not the person to run this island. Sodor has been left scarred by his unequal treatment of his engines and diesels, not to mention the lives of its human denizens as well. There is only one person for the job-to restore everything on Sodor to its natural beauty-and we, the people and engines of Sodor, are asking that you take charge of the island."
Diesel 10 stared blankly at his companion for a moment before he spoke. "My good Norman, it's very honorable for you to ask this of me, but I'm afraid I must decline," He stated flatly, causing the crowd to gasp.
"Perhaps you lot are mistaken. Sir Topham Hatt was in fact a great caring man- it would do me a great sin to take a spot away from such a beloved human being. And it just was horrid that the poor man had to leave the earth before his time..." He sniffled some fake tears. The crowd began to murmur worriedly, until the Mayor spoke up.
"But Diesel 10! Your fellow engines beg of you- we beg of you!" He argued, and chorus of agreement from the crowd of humans and engines followed suit.
"Please, Diesel 10, don't refuse the love we offer you." Lady Hatt added.
"Make us happy, Diesel 10 sir- grant our law-abiding request!" Paxton called.
"Yes, you all- but why would you heap all these responsibilities on me?" Diesel 10 argued. "I am unfit to be your controller. Please, don't take it badly, but I cannot and will not give in to you!" He hissed, with a strong sense of finality to it.
"Well, sir! If that's what you want- fine! We'll speak no more of this!" Paxton shot back, and the crowd began to disperse.
Excellent... thought Diesel 10. They think I'm humble... now, to crushtheir spirits...
"Wait!" He called, and the crowd paused.
"Since you intend to force me to take responsibility for these changing times, whether I want to or not...I'm going to have to be brave and endure the load." The diesel relented, causing the crowd to cheer.
"But," He interrupted. "If this imposition you've put on me happens to result in dark scandal or ugly reproach, the fact that you forced me to accept this should clear me from blame. God knows, and you may have noticed, I'm not to eager to take on this job."
Nonetheless, the crowd cheered and roared with Diesel 10 as their superior. He really was a humble diesel after all- he had changed! No to mention, it would be the first time that an engine- steamie or diesel- had held full control over the railway before.
"God bless you, Diesel 10!" Lady Hatt applauded. "We understand you're just doing it for us, and we'll be sure to say so."
"If you say that, you'll only be telling the truth, madam," Diesel 10 smiled politely.
"Then I salute you with this royal title:" Paxton spoke up. "Long live Diesel 10, Sodor's worthy Controller!"
"Long live Diesel 10, Sodor's worthy Controller!" The crowd of engines and humans alike repeated proudly.
"Shall you accept tomorrow?" Norman asked.
"Whenever you want," Diesel 10 replied, calmly. "You lot are the ones who want it!"
"Tomorrow, then, we will wait on you." Paxton affirmed, as he beamed with pride. "Now we'll take our leave—joyfully." All the engines dispersed to do their work, and all the humans departed back about their day, until Diesel 10 was the only one left in the yards.
He smiled evilly as he watched them all go.
The plan had worked.
Sodor was finally his.