This is where Thomas and his band of hunters that include those who practiced their hunting skills for a deer hunt. The time is now for that needed push of meat to make sure there is enough for everyone who lives on the homestead. At the same time talk about the Freshman Dance that will be coming up the following week.
I Do not own any part of Thomas the Tank engine & Friends. It is owned by the following.
Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends
By the Rev W Awdry.
Produced by Britt Alcroft
Owned by Mattel.
Other Characters owned by Pinkninjaprime and blackboard26
Deer Hunt
It was the last Friday of September, the feel of fall has finally arrived and that signaled to Thomas that it is time for his deer hunt if he is going to keep everyone alive during the winter months. As much like the Idea of buying much needed food from the grocery store, to save time. However, living as a homesteader Thomas realize that if he is going to keep everyone feed, he needs to find time to hunt for deer. He along with Rosie, Ariel, Gordon, Edward, and Oliver make up Thomas's hunting party. Everyone has gathered in the dining hall and waited for their school friend Cassey his dad Maxwell Tallshally, and the local game warden who will act like a guide to help the hunting party find and legally take their deer. They plan to take a three-day excursion north to a Scottish scrubland where the deer will be in plenty. Thomas plans to take his boat with his party there, and find the Scottish hunters lodge, Thomas and Rosie are getting everything they need and waited for the rest of their party to venture off with them.
Rosie. "Ready for the first hunt as a homesteader Thomas?"
Thomas. "To tell you the truth I am a bit nervous about killing something so the rest of our friends can eat, at the same time I know this is something that needs to be done."
Rosie. "With more than enough mouths to feed and not a lot of our livestock are ready to be brought down for everyone to have, this has to be our last option to bring much needed food for those who do not have a job." Then Oliver came over and filled in his point of view.
Oliver. "As much that I want to be part of a work force, but until I am that age where I can start to look for jobs I am doing all I can to help you two out until after school is over." Then Edward and Gordon came over.
Edward. "Not to worry, this will be new to all of us, I mean none of us has ever gone hunting for wild game before, and like Rosie had said we need a good amount of food and supplies to have everything ready before the snow begins to fall."
Gordon. "Yes, leave it to us to bring down a reasonable amount of game for our homesteading needs, and I do promise to be on my best behavior for this trip." Then Rebecca and Scott came over.
Scott. "Are you sure you lot have enough people going out on this voyage to the Scottish Hunters lodge, it does sounds just as cozy as this homestead?"
Rebecca. "I really do not mind coming along, but not too sure about the hunting part, do you mind if I came along too Gordon, so you and I can cuddle up after your return from your hunt?"
Gordon. "If Rosie is coming along to be with Thomas when he returns from the hunt, then I will like it even better if you came along as well my love." Then the two kissed each other when finally, their school friend Cassey his dad and the Game warden by the name of Dex Mantanu had arrive to help the young hunters some security and guidance on where and what is to be expected when they arrive in Scottland.
Warden Mantanu. "This year it has been declared that the population for Fallow deer is in large numbers this year and the rules allow for each hunter to take one mature doe and one buck. Once each hunter claims his catch then that hunter is finished for the year. One too many will be declared poached, and a poached deer is one less in the population that is required to keep the herds healthy."
Thomas. "I am afraid there will be two more for this trip Game Warden Mantanu." Then Thomas hears the Scottish twins Donald and Douglas are voicing over them for allowance back to their homeland for a visit while the others are out on the hunt.
Donald. "Hold on now Thomas, my brother and I could not help but over hear about your hunting party are heading up north to Scotland for fallow deer?"
Rosie. "That is correct, and you need clearance from your jobs at the movie complex in the shopping center if you and Douglas want a trip back up to your roots again."
Douglas. "The moment we heard that your hunting party are heading up to Scotland, we asked our manager about going with you lot on a hunting trip to the Scottish Hunters lodge. In truth we want a way to see Scotland now and then."
The rest of the party could not help being sympathetic with the Macintosh twins about a chance of returning to their homeland now and then. Have decided to allow the two along for the trip.
Game Warden Mantanu. "I was wondering if you two may want to come along so I have asked for the owner of the hunting lodge for a party of thirteen for this trip. If you two want to come along then hurry up and gather your things for the trip to Scotland."
Donald. "Ach do not worry we already packed up our things just the night before and managed to get the gear needed in case we are ever to venture along the Scottish landscape around this time of year."
Douglas. "Aye and we ever took time to learn how to use the firearms safely just as you have instructed Thomas and the others the last time you were here."
Game Warden Mantanu. "Did you two pass your hunting licenses deer permits and your gun ownership permits also?"
Donald and Douglas. "Aye we sure have."
Donald. "Just in case there will be needing another hunter or two to help feed this place." Then both showed the game warden their permits and paperwork that showed they are legal enough to venture off for the first deer hunt for the homestead.
Game Warden. "Alright all is in order, now we need to get our equipment to Thomas's boat and head off north to one of the locks that leads up the way to the Scottish Hunters lodge." Then everyone gathered all their gear and headed for the two vehicles that are the Tacoma and the F250 trucks they will use to drive along the Scottish roads for supplies and additional food while they stay at the lodge. Then as the last of their gear and the final truck is onboard True-blue they are finally ready for their trip. After a head count of who is coming and make sure there are not going to be surprises like the trip around the world surprise when Bill and Ben snuck onboard to venture with Thomas and along those who ventured around with him.
Thomas. "Alright are we ready to for our hunting trip?" Then waited for everyone to line up and make sure the party is what he needed to see before heading off. "Alright then Oliver, Edward, and Gordon, would you three have the honors of untying the boat from the docks then we can set sail." And they did, afterwards returned on board just as the boat had left. Then just about when Thomas turned the prop and his boat towards the Sudrian sea he heard from the shore.
Percy. "GOOD LUCK THOMAS, HAVE FUN ON YOUR HUNT!"
Thomas answers back on his radio. "This is not just for fun Percy, this is a matter of survival on the homestead." Then Thomas honked his horn and waive his hand to the shore where Percy, along with Polly Emily, and even Henry took time to say and wave good bye before the boat was out of sight.
The trip did not take that long and before they knew it, they followed the channel up the lock and around the bend was the Scottish Hunters Lodge. This Lodge was only built to suit the hunters who are only interested in using the game as a food source and not for sport hunting. On this stretch of the land there are fallow deer in the plenty along with the larger Red deer as well for some Scottish mallards, snow geese and other game and trapping animals those like the homesteaders can utilize the wild game for their essentials. There to greet the party is the owner of the Scottish Hunters 'Lodge Mika Maclinoc a well-respected hunter, trapper and guide. He was amazed about the stories of how the engines of sodor have become human and have heard two Caledonian engines survived the cutters torched when they fled to sodor and now became residents after their humanization. Then into the view of Mika Maclinoc True-Blue had finally arrive and started to dock at the birth his party was assigned to take. Then one by one have unloaded their trucks and waited for the owner to arrive and meet them as the Game warden Dex Mantanu, came over and greeted the lodge owner.
Mika. "Hello Dex, nice meeting with you again."
Game Warden Mantanu. "Nice meeting with you too Mika." Then turns the lodge owner to the party of youngsters behind him. "This young man behind me is Thomas the tank engine from the Island of Sodor, but since his humanization he is now Thomas Billintion, then this young lady with the red shoulder length hair is his girlfriend Rosie Vulcan. She was supposed to be the USA 060-T tank engine, then next to her is Thomas's sister another Brighton E2 Tank engine is Ariel Billinton. The young man next to her is a former Furness railway Seagull class engine who goes by the name Edward, but now known has Edward Pettigrew. Then this other fellow who is dressed in blue is actually a Sir Nigel Gresley engine along with the other fellow who is dressed in green. This is Gordon Gresley and his Brother Scott Gresley. And next to Gordon is his Girlfriend Rebecca Bullsied a former SW Class from Brighton. The fellow who is dressed in green is a former Great western 1400 tank engine who goes by the name Oliver Collete. And the two beside him are the former Caledonian engine twins who are now humans too, this fellow is Donald along with his brother Douglas Macintosh. These others are their school friend and his father along for the hunt, this is Cassey his father Maxwell Tallshally."
Mika. "Nice to meet all of you, and you two especially Donald and Douglas, when I have heard two former Caledonian engines have escaped the cutters torch I was relieved that part of the Scottish spirit will live on, so welcome you two."
Donald. "The Pleasure is all ours sir."
Douglas. "Aye that is right, mighty kind of you sir."
Then the lodge owner showed the party which cabins they will stay in, there will be two cabins. Thomas, Ariel, Rosie, Edward, Cassey and his father decided to stay in one cabin while the others take the second cabin that will house everyone. Then everyone just decided to make a nice dinner for their first night, Rosie and Rebecca have gathered in the larger of the two cabins to make a good meal for their party and talked about the freshman dance that will be coming up in the following week.
Rebecca. "Um, Rosie have you come up with a summons for your proposal for the freshman dance yet?"
Rosie. "I have thought of a few things already where we can approve on, but I need to Check with headmaster Hat on some of the things that has crossed my mind."
Rebecca. "I have been looking into that as well. How is Thomas handling the idea of becoming popular boy of the school?"
Rosie. "When he is not too busy with the work around the homestead and at the station, I can see he is doing his best to come up with a summons to announce with the assembly in the middle of next week. How has Gordon fared in this competition?"
Rebecca. (Sighed). "He does his best; however, he hurts his head trying to come up with a summons to announce for the student body to hear."
Rosie. "In which means he will be needing a miracle if he wants to be crowned Popular boy in school right."
Rebecca. "I am afraid so. At least he is trying to come up with a speech with the research he has gathered so far. Have you ever heard James's summons about his proposal?"
Rosie. "Gees. I have, and not looking too bright on James's proposal for popular boy."
Rebecca. "I feel sorry for Molly right now."
Thomas and Oliver came in and offered to set the tables up for everyone, While Scott, Gordon and Edward stayed out long enough to gather enough logs and split them into firewood to start a warming fire in the fireplace.
Edward. "Need another round of logs Gordon?"
Gordon. "Just a few more then we shall have enough for our first night in the cabins Edward."
Scott. "At least you have no trouble chopping away on those logs than you are on your summons for the freshman dance Gordon." That stopped Gordon enough to gather his thoughts about his speech to make before the assembly, then caught the attention of Edward about Gordon's expression knowing that the former express engine has hard time learning all he needs to know about finding the balance with the school and everyone on sodor.
Edward. "Having a hard time finding the results of your research for the school and our relations to the rest of Sodor Gordon? Thomas and Rosie have gathered a lot of information about the relations of the school and the rest of Sodor and may have ideas of how to come up with some solutions. How much have you looked into your research for your summons for the assembly already?" While Gordon stood still trying to collect his thoughts Scott took the axe from his brother to finish trimming the logs into firewood.
Scott. "He has not started to know where to start his research, nor know who to ask, I have a feeling he is afraid of looking weak if he asked around instead of supposed suggestions about how solutions for the school and the local community."
Edward. "Really Gordon. Thomas is the hardest working on the homestead and on the railway yards, and he still stops to ask about the relations between the school, the community and the railway of how to better improve conditions in the school for a better work force for the future of our Sudrian youth."
Gordon. "I know Edward, I keep asking myself how to improve on my academics, I hear it from Thomas and Rosie on what they are finding out and hopes to use that for my speech as well."
Scott. "When are you going to gather the work yourself brother, you are lacing in your performance on how to improve yourself as an individual. If you find yourself unable to find the solutions for your self Gordon, then how do you plan to return as a driver if you could not find ways of helping yourself and your passengers when problems occur during your travels. The passengers rely on the work crews to bring comfort and considerations especially when emergencies come up and they often do when on en root on long distant travels along the railway lines."
Edward. "You cannot always rely on Thomas Gordon, he has enough on his plate without you always asking for his cooperation when he has a job, a homestead, and a lot of us to worry about. You Gordon must learn to do things for your self if you wish to improve your intellect, and resources to find the answers you wish to find, if not you can find your way back to the railway as an engine and not the driver." Gordon stops and considered his motives on his education, and realize how Thomas is doing his best to house his friends and helps keep everyone alive and well fed. Then realize that he and the others are here for a deer hunt and realize this is another way Thomas and Rosie are providing a food source and not just to hunt deer alone.
Gordon. "I need to ask how Thomas how he gets his answers, then maybe I can find the solutions when I make my summons for the assembly."
Their friends Donald and Douglas stayed out long enough to enjoy the Scottish Autumn air and the wonders of the great Outdoors that the twins would never experience if they were engines now.
Donald. "Feels great coming back to Scotland eh Dougie?" He asked while looking down the locks where the water flows back down to the Irish sea.
Douglas. "Aye Donnie, it is times like these I am glad to be a human, as an engine you do not see much but the world passing you by like no bother."
Then Oliver came up and gathered the twins for supper. "Donald Douglas it is time to come in and have a warm diner inside the cabin." Then everyone gathered around the table this time it is the game warden and Mr. Tallshally are at the heads of the table. Thomas sat at the edge of the table followed by Rosie, Ariel, Oliver, and Cassey on one side, the other has Gordon sitting on the opposing corner followed by Rebecca next to him, then Scott, Edward finally Donald and Douglas who sit on the table waiting for the food to pass. Before serving out the meal Thomas and everyone decided to say grace and a prayer for a successful hunt.
Thomas. "Dear Lord, we have gathered here tonight to give thanks to all you have provided to us already, and now we ask of you to look over on us while we need to fulfill our purpose and help us make sure the decisions we make are respectful enough for the survival of our friends and family Amen."
Everyone else. "Amen."
Game Warden. "That is a wonderful thought about asking for guidance for your hunt tomorrow, you really know how to ask for support for when times get tough for you and your company on your homestead Thomas."
Thomas. "Like I have said to Rosie before we left, that I am feeling nervous about taking a life to feed the homestead even though I know how important it is to keep everyone fed."
Maxwell. "Sounds like you are head of the homestead Thomas, and it sounds like you are doing your best to provide for everyone who lives there with you."
Rosie. "Ever since our friends started to come off the rails after us, we find keeping everyone fed has been a challenge, and now that Caitlin and Connor have also became human and began living with us made us realize that if we are going to make it through the winter we better stock up with the game we need to fill the freezers until next time we go out again or until more of our friends find jobs that suite them to help bring in more income to keep the homestead running."
Oliver. "And like I have said to Rosie before we left, the ones who do not have a job beyond the homestead is because our age prevent us to find the jobs needed to up keep the homestead for Thomas and Rosie to keep. So, I usually offer my help cleaning the animal stalls and when it is time to milk the cow, and the goats that was given to Thomas and Rosie to use the goats' milk to make cheese from."
Thomas. "And I do appreciate the help Oliver, you along with Toby and Percy help keep my animals fed and looked after when I cannot come back to check on everything when I am down by the station help shovel coal into my former firebox in the yards."
Cassey. "Do you only work in the yards?"
Edward. "I am afraid so Cassey, until we are legal age to venture across the landscape without the aid of an adult we need to remain in the shunting yards and close to the station where our controller can keep his eye out on us."
Cassey. "How is everyone doing on their research for the assembly for most popular students of our school?" Thomas, Rosie, and Rebecca had answered confidently, Gordon was nervous about researching for his summons for the school.
Thomas. "Fine so far, Rosie and I are constantly asking around from the people we knew over the years since they attend school and how the educations they received helped them, and in return find out what has happened since their day and help find motivations for the youth of today. However, what I am proposing in my speech may have to be silent to prevent anyone from copying my ideas on how to better improve on the school and the rest of Sodor."
Rosie. "I am doing the same, makes no sense to announce your attentions while others will likely take our proposals into their reason for a summons when it should show how resourceful the students they want will likely be the ones they will nominate for popular boy and girl for the freshman class."
Maxwell. "How about you Gordon and Rebecca, haven you two found out what can motivate everyone to vote you to become popular boy and girl yet?"
Rebecca. "I have some ideas on what to address our class, Gordon on the other hand may need a miracle to pull him out of his situation right now." Everyone else looked up to hear what is going on with Gordon, and his summons for the assembly.
Thomas. "What does she mean Gordon, have you conducted a research for your summons for the assembly for school yet? The rest of us have taken much of this past week to learn about the relations between our school and the rest of Sodor, and the assembly will be held in the middle of the week. You mean to tell us that you are unprepared to make your summons for the students to hear."
Gordon. "I am afraid so Thomas, at times I took the time to listen to both you and Rosie about your findings about these issues hopping to bring them to my summons as well."
Rosie. "You cannot expect us to give you everything Gordon, we may have given you space to live, some of our food to eat, and learn to live on a homestead when you and James had no place to call your own, and still don't. Like Thomas and me, you need to learn how to live independently and know where your resources lye, so you will know what to do when you need them the most."
Gordon. "I am sorry everyone, I just do not know how to ask about our school and our problems to anyone beyond us."
Thomas. "Gordon, all you have to do is ask around, and write down notes to bring facts and compare each note if you want to find the solutions for your summons and where to find your resources that will help with the school and the community. If someone like your brother Scott can ask around and find the answers for his assigned questions why can't you." That has left Gordon something to think about and ask himself the question about why those like him have a hard time finding the research to find the solutions for the school and Sodor. Until he and the others returned back on the summons everyone continued with the meal until there was nothing left for leftovers for the next day. Then everyone decided to head back to their assigned cabins for a well-earned rest before their first hunt of the day.
The Following morning, everyone got up early to catch up with the game warden and the lodge owner about the movements of the fallow deer and the red deer and report where to find their quarry and sort out which of the herds to take out for the hunt. Thomas, Rosie, Ariel, Gordon Edward, Oliver, and the twins wait for their school friend and the adults before they can venture off for their first deer hunt. Scott and Rebecca decided to stay at the cabins since they do not have permits nor licenses to take part on the hunt. Then came Game warden Dex Mantanu and Mika Maclinoc to assemble the young hunting party and to let them know where they will start off with.
Mika. "Our sources say that the deer are heading up towards an open ravine where some of their rutting activity are under way, it is going to be a ten-mile hike into the high country, we will take our camping gear and head out to make a base camp in case we are staying out longer than predicted. Always remember to have a hunting partner with you and keep your radios and your smart phones on the ready in case of an emergency. Alright everyone let us head out." Then everyone heading out following the lodge owner and the game warden and before long they are out looking for signs for deer. Then Edward spots some rubbing against the trunk of a young tree, with pieces of the velvet like skin covering parts of the tree. They all realize this is the first signs for locating the deer, then Thomas and Oliver decided to look around and found the tracks leading away from the tree and down the game trail. Thomas and Rosie remembered about game trails when they started to clear the wooded area to make walking trails on their homestead. Then everyone started to follow the tracks as quietly they can without spooking the deer, but then remembered to check the wind direction and decided if they are going to catch this deer they are going to follow it down wind of the animal making sure the wind is facing away from the deer and not towards it. Then everyone stopped when they heard noises ahead, there in front of the party is a fully mature Fallow buck deer, Thomas relented volunteering to take the first shot and signaled to everyone that he will bring down their first deer. Thomas moved around carefully making sure not to spook of his deer, Thomas was now in range and is ready to take his shot and closed his eyes and readies himself to take the shot. Then mind focused and silently announced he is taking his safety off and aimed his rifle to the area where he wants his shot to make.
Thomas. (Whispering silently) "Sorry fella but need the meat." Then took his shot, hit the deer dead center of the animal's vital organs and the animal dropped where it stood. Thomas waited until no more movement came from the fallen animal and came over and gave his apologies and thanks to the animal whose life he just took for the others on the homestead. "Sorry fella and thank you," He said as he strokes the back of the dead animal before the warden came over with the deer tag for Thomas's buck then recorded it for the records to bring back for the department to analyze.
Game Warden Dex. "Good job Thomas I know it will be hard to take in, but you have the skills of a hunter now. This is one buck less for you to take down, this will let everyone else to take a deer of their own to bring back." Then everyone helped Thomas bring his buck along until they find a place to make base camp for those who have not claimed their game yet. Then after the hike the warden and the land owner helped Thomas haul his deer out by asking one of the hands back at the lodge to bring an all-terrain vehicle to bring the buck back for storage until the hunt is over. Then the party moved on wards after Thomas took the time to clean off his clothes from the gun residue from his earlier hunt. Then down the ways they found a lone doe and was advised from the land owner that this doe is in her prime and had recently let go of her yearling buck and is ready to take down before she is ready for breeding. Then Ariel decided to volunteer to bring down this doe and is reminded to head down wind of this animal and she does. Checking the direction of the wind she silently stocked her way around the doe until she has clearance and in range to take down her first doe. Like her brother before she announced silently that she is ready for the shot and silently announced she is removing her safety on her rifle, took a deep breath before raising the firearm to take her shot. Like Thomas before her she said her apologies and her thanks before taking her first shot on her first hunt.
Ariel. "So sorry about this, but what needs to be done has to be done." Then took the shot, the animal dropped, and Ariel waited for the doe to get up but didn't then came over and stroked the animal on her back and gave thanks to the doe she just brought down. "Thank you, I am so sorry about this, but we need to feed the hungry mouths we have at home." Then waited for the warden to come over and bring her the tags for Ariel's doe.
Warden Dex. "Good job Ariel, you have shown you have what it takes to bring food to the table." All throughout the afternoon, the party traveled along the game trails looking for the herds of deer to bring down. Then everyone started to split up into groups to make sure everyone had a fair chance of getting their deer to bring back to the homestead. Edward was next to claim a lone doe, as did Donald, Gordon claimed his buck just before lunch and Oliver claimed his buck on his way back from his ventures to the camp sight. Then like with Thomas's Buck each time the young hunters claim a deer the hands at the lodge will bring the downed animals into the storage units until Thomas and his party are finished claiming their catch for the season.
Then everyone called it lunch time before continuing with the hunt until sun down, Then Gordon decides to call Rebecca and Scott back at the lodge that his party will remain outdoors until the following morning. Then realized that Gordon will be camping outside with the others on the hunt asked the hands if she and Scott can meet up with the hunting party to join them while they camp out under the stars at night. The hands did volunteer to take the young people to the hunting party before night fall that will make it too hard for everyone to see unless they have the outdoor skills like the hunting party does.
Then at the camp everyone eyes Rebecca and Scott with one of the hands of the lodge who then lets off the young people to their friends at the base camp to spend their time with. Gordon could not help but to smile after seeing Rebecca came up and gave him a warm feeling again after catching his deer, before their break.
Gordon. Came over and kissed Rebecca before inviting her and his brother to the camp site. "Welcome you two, we are just having lunch while we wait to see where to head off to for our next catch to bring back to the homestead."
Game warden Dex. "You all showed promise of becoming respected hunters, however you need more time and skills to reach the goals each of you will need to bring down the game back to the homestead. What Mika had told me that the fallow deer we have so far will bring half of what you all will need before heading back to Sodor and on your homestead Thomas. Then after finding five more then we shall have enough to make extras and make other things from the meat besides meals on the homestead."
Scott. "How did everyone did on their first hunt, who had brought down their first deer already?" Those who already brought down a deer raised their hands and showed that Thomas, Ariel, Gordon. Edward, Oliver and Donald had brought down a reasonable amount of deer to bring back home. "That is amazing, I do not know how you could keep an innocent face after your first hunts."
Thomas. "It is more of satisfactory that we bring back a good amount of food back to the homestead for the rest of our friends who live there a chance for survival. If we keep this up until our return trip to the Island tomorrow, then we should have enough to feed everyone who does not have a job yet due to age and knowing what skills they could have that has not surfaced just yet."
Scott. "I do apologize about not able to find a job after becoming human, I wish I had other skills that can keep me busy and help bring in more income for the homestead. I do promise that I will do what I can to help out on your homestead while you and your friends create the income for your place of home."
Rosie. Who was sitting next to Thomas and replies. "That is alright Scott we understand that becoming human can be a bit strange since remembering how it was like rolling around on the tracks as the engines. But since then Thomas and I have a homestead to own and operate for our living needs, and plan to keep the homestead when it is ready for us to produce farm goods for a proposed farmers market on our side of the island."
Maxwell. "You and Thomas plan of owning a farmers market in the near future?"
Thomas. "Sure, why not. It is the least we can do to earn another source of income, and not just from the railway neither. Both Rosie and I believe if she and I can find away to not rely on Sir Topham Hat so much then we have a way to pay back all that he has done for us to open a farmers market for those who want farm fresh fruits and vegetables to bring back to their homes to make their meals from."
Cassey. "Have any ideas on how to make that happen Thomas? I can imagine the amount the cost of owning a farm and homestead can be costly if not thought of clearly."
Rosie. "I know we do not have much right now, we just started our herd of meat cattle this year, and only have the space to grow our own fruits and vegetables for those who live on the homestead. We also looked into what we have that can help out in the future."
Thomas. "So far, she and I are just speculating on how to create the kind of life we can have, even if it means time away from the railway. I can still be available when the seasons need the railway the most but realize how much more our homestead has become another destination our visitors to the island want to venture out and understand what living on a homestead is all about."
Maxwell. "Whatever your intentions are I just home it is for the best to you and Rosie Thomas."
Thomas and Rosie. "Thanks" Then everyone was finished with their lunch and those who have not claimed their deer went out with their hunting partners and searched some more until one by one after listening to the instructions from the warden and the lodge manager have managed to find their targeted game. Rosie was the first to bring down her first buck, Douglas was next to take a shot to bring down his doe. Then Thomas spots another good-looking doe, decided to take his shot and this time is readier to take it and down the doe went. Then it was close enough to take two more down before the end the hunt and before sun had gone down, it was up to Edward to take down his large buck he just found, took the shot and the animal went down and another deer less to take down and the final one was spotted by Ariel, which happens to be a Buck and decided to take it out at around the same time the sun was at the last hour of the hunt. Then everyone came back to base camp while the hands at the lodge came out on their all-terrain vehicles taken the final fallen animals to store away until Thomas and his hunting party return in the morning and return to the homestead with their legal tagged game. Thomas and the rest decided to sleep under the stars tonight while Rebecca and Rosie had fixed up some fresh trout that Rebecca and Scott had fished up while the hunters were out on their hunt and came back to a freshly caught fish dinner for everyone to enjoy. Thomas came over and kissed his girlfriend on the cheek before addressing everyone on a successful hunt. Gordon came over and did the same for Rebecca.
Thomas. "That looks great Rosie and Rebecca, this will really hit the bottom of my stomach after hunting all day for our needed game meat."
Rebecca. "It is the least that I can do since not able to bring myself able to hunt with you lot, and it looks like you managed to bring enough back to feed everyone back on the homestead."
Edward. "And with Ariel bringing back the last deer on our list, we can honestly say we have a completed what we have set out here to do. Bring a good amount of game back to feed everyone who is on the homestead."
Thomas. "According to Mika and Game Warden Dex, we need to dress our deer before heading back to the homestead tomorrow. It should be no different if we had to dress our livestock at home. Except we need to break down the carcasses to make sure some of our friends back on the homestead will not have sad faces when we bring home our catch to feed everyone."
Gordon. "Not to worry Thomas, we all took the time to hunt these creatures it is best to dress the meat for the voyage home." Then it was agreed to clean out the deer, remove the antlers, and remove the hides to make deer skinned material for use on the homestead. Then after the meal and as the sun's light had finally left the land everyone said their good night and have a rest in their respective tents. Maxwell shared a tent with his son, Edward shared a tent with Oliver, Donald shared a tent with Douglas, Scott shared a tent with Ariel and promised Thomas not to create friction with his sister. Game warden Dex slept in his tent as Thomas and Rosie shared a tent, as did Rebecca and Gordon but the couples decided to leave love play for another day when other people are not around to hear and view their actions to one another.
The next morning it was time that everyone got up and ready themselves the trip back to the hunting lodge where their belongings are waiting for them when they returned. After a cold cereal morning since this was all that was required when camping where refrigeration is scarce, decided to pack every piece of camping and hunting equipment up for the trip back to the hunting lodge and pack their belongings in the cabins for the trip home. Before they left they were recommended to pose with their deer for a photo to commemorate their time on this hunting lodge for the party to bring back with them as the lodge owner take two of them one for the young hunting party and one for the lodge to commemorate the visiting former Sudrian engines on their first official hunt for wild game. Then after the photo everyone got busy and dressed out their deer by removing the innards that they did not like and have them dumped the remains to some barrels that the land owner will use as compost for his garden for his hunting lodge's greenhouse. Then everyone had removed the skins and placed them in some plastic colored containers to bring back to the homestead to make deer skinned leather for projects on the homestead. Then after which everyone finally broken down the carcasses and placed them in the cold storage room on True-blue and realized they have enough to feed everyone on the homestead until the next time they venture out for a game hunt to feed everyone on the homestead. After everyone broken deer had finally been placed on board it was time to bring their equipment and vehicles back to the boat for their voyage trip to the Island of Sodor. The just before they headed out with everything they came with and more have decided to thank the Lodge manager for his help in the hunt.
Thomas. "Thank you for helping us find the deer we need to feed everyone back on the homestead Mr Maclinoc, we really appreciate all you did for us."
Mika Maclinoc. "I am very happy to meet you Thomas, you know when I was a little boy hearing about your stories from you home on the Island of sodor, it made me wish to meet up with you and your friends one of these days. But never knew you would one day live amongst humans and learning how to hunt to survive your hardships Thomas. I am glad to finally meet up with my favorite heroes of the railway." That brought a smile on everyone's face then Edward came over for the compliment their host have said to them.
Edward. "The honor is all ours Mr. Maclinoc, we had a wonderful time enjoying camping on your land."
Rosie. "Maybe one day you could visit us on our island when we are not too busy with work, school and chores on the homestead."
Mika. "I appreciate the offer Ms. Vulcan, maybe one day I will. Have fun on the way home everyone."
Then everyone headed back on board the True-blue just as Edward, Oliver and Gordon had untied True blue and returned on board the boat before leaving the dock and on their way home to Sodor.
On their way in they were spotted by Percy and Toby who viewed them before riding back down the trail to announce Thomas and his hunting party had finally arrived home.
Percy found Emily and Henry about Thomas and the others returning home from their hunt. "Come on Thomas and the others are back from their trip, we can see what they have brought home for our food supply." Henry was still upset about Thomas and the others bringing home dead animals to have a food source from.
Emily. "Come on Henry, I know this is going to be hard on you, but Thomas and the others took their chance to feed everyone here on the homestead for our food supply."
Henry. "I know Emily, I just do not like the idea of killing any animals for food, just thinking about those poor creatures being used for food."
Emily. "And what about the animals that they had to take out for our food supply Henry, we had to take them in for us to raise and use for the hungry mouths that are here on the homestead."
Henry did not know how to answer that, even though they have eaten the food present on the homestead that was meant for human consumption, but the animals they hunted down was something else he need to consider too. Until he can figure this out it is best to see how Thomas and the others did on their hunt.
Back down the channel they went as they came to the Sudrian sea and back down the coast of Sodor until they spotted where to the way back the docks to where True blue can rest for the winter. Before the caretakers came to clean and store away his boat, Thomas and the others took the time to unload their belongings and the vehicles onto the shore before unloading the fresh game out of the cold storage and place in the coolers in the bed space of the trucks before heading the vehicles back onto the homestead. Then when the final bit of their trip was off the boat Thomas finally let the dock workers put True-Blue into winter storage until Thomas comes back to inspect his boat again in the spring. Then the hunting party came into view of everyone who greeted the hunting party back after their trip for a well-deserved food supply to feed everyone on the homestead. There to greet them are their residents of the homestead, their school friends and the controller Sir Topham Hat who just came by to see how his former engines performed on their hunting trip.
Thomas. "Well that is everything, to the homestead with the game we brought back." Then turns to the game warden for his help with the hunt. "Thank you once again Warden Dex. It has been one heck of an experience, I am now glad to be part of this."
Warden Dex. "It is the least I can do for a responsible game hunter, most hunters in England are only interested in bringing parts of the animal for bragging rights. You have shown that there are those who really want to hunt for what it is really for. To bring a food source for your friends and family to enjoy that will last throughout the winter."
Thomas. "Hopefully nothing will shorten our needed source of food since buying these items at the store is so expensive to purchase and bring home."
Warden Dex. "Next time we go out maybe we can come up with some trapping techniques that will bring Sudrian hare for dinner Thomas, just in case the term cabin fever makes you or anyone of your family and friends end up wanting to venture on the homestead for another source of food to eat at the dinner table."
Thomas. "Now that sound like a plan, and according to the trappers guide the time for trapping starts after the last of the deer rut is over and that is until the end of December into January of next year."
Then the two went into Thomas's Tacoma back to the homestead where they were greeted by their friends and the controller of the railway Sir Topham Hat.
STH. "Welcome back everyone, I hope everyone was successful on your hunting trip to the Scottish Hunting Lodge in Scotland."
Thomas. "I must admit it was not the most glamorous trip we have ever taken but is was well worth taking if we needed a supply of game to feed the homestead Sir."
Donald. "Aye it was worth coming back to Scotland now and then to see the old country before our sights to Sodor."
Douglas. "It was well worth seeing our old country beyond the tracks, and now hopefully we can make a pilgrimage back to the Scottish lands the next time we venture out on a hunting trip again."
Gordon. "As you can see we managed to bring more than enough to last throughout the winter months before everything runs out next spring."
Edward. "All we have to do now is to let our game hang in the food storage in the dining hall before using it for any game dishes to prepare for."
Then everyone helped take the boxes of game cuts into the refrigerated room that acts like the homestead's meat packing house. Then using the overhead hooks to skewer the pieces of the carcasses to allow the meat time to age and dry before cutting the mead into steaks roasts and ground pieces of meat now called venison. They now know if they wanted this piece of meat they need planned out schedules hunts to extract exactly what they needed to keep the hungry residents of the homestead fed. Now that the meat has been sorted out and labeled for use, Rosie and Emily decided to use some of the ground venison into a lasagna with the recipe that was given to them by Gina when they visited the Pizzeria last. Then during preparation Rosie and Emily talked about the freshman assembly that is coming up in the middle of the week.
Emily. "Have you and Thomas known what to say on assembly day Rosie, so far I had some Ideas that can benefit the school, and I am sure that Henry will also find things that will benefit the school too."
Rosie. "I cannot tell you until the assembly Emily, but yes I have some ideas on how to address the issues of our school and community to summon up about. The same goes for Thomas, even though we promised not to reveal what they are until the assembly Emily."
Emily. "Well that is good to know, unlike a certain former red engine who is coming up with some lame speeches after he wins and not about how to address the problems with the school and the community."
Rosie. "Not only James but Gordon also will have a problem if he doesn't learn how to research for his proposal for the popular boy contest at the school. And could not help feel sorry for Rebecca right now."
Emily was surprised that Gordon is not doing too well for his proposal for popular boy contest for the assembly of the freshman class to hear. "Gordon too?" Then Rosie turned her head to nod yes and returned her attention back to cooking the meal. "Well after all that has been said and done hope everyone does their best and may the best couple win." Then turned to shake Rosie's hand on her proposal for the popular girl contest, then the former returned the shake on a fair term to have a fair and honest competition for the popular girl of the school.
Rosie. "May the best one win." Then Thomas and Edward came in to see if they needed any help with setting up the table before the meal was done out of the oven.
Edward. "Hello ladies do you both need help with the seating arrangement in the dining hall?"
Emily. "Sure, Edward both you and Thomas can help set the table up before the meal is ready and out of the oven." Then Thomas and Edward began to set the table just as the rest of the residents of the homestead had come home washed their hands and started to gather around the dining table. Then one by one their friends found their places to seat, and ready themselves of what could be brought out of the oven that smelled so good right now. Then out of the oven was an arrangement of Italian Dinner rolls and stared to serve that around and before long it was time to serve out the lasagna, there were two dishes of the lasagna hand around the two huge tables that is seating everyone on the homestead. Then just before they had their meal once again Thomas held everyone's hand around the dinner tables and began to say grace again.
Thomas. "Dear lord thanks you for watching over us during our first year as homesteaders on this Island of Sodor we call home. And once again we ask that all our efforts did not go in vain after this trip to bring the needed game for our needs. Amen."
Everyone else. "Amen." And before long everyone took a bite of the lasagna and realized how delicious it truly is, even Henry who did not know that venison was used to make the meal had a smile across his face knowing how good it was. Emily did not dare tell Henry what was in it because of his sensitivity to anything that was once alive that is now used in the meal they are now eating.
James. "Wow this is great, who knew right."
Thomas and his hunting party know this had to be the venison they had brought back from their hunting trip and now know that this was the reward of bringing home a food source from the wild to bring back reasonably.
Home again now that Thomas and his friends have enough to last them throughout the winter, and know that hunting is not just for sport, it is an essential way to bring more food home for survival needs.
Find out the results after the candidates for popular boy and girl are, and there will be a strong storm about to hit the Island of Sodor. Unlike the last one, this will be a superstorm that Thomas and his friends will have to face and make sure they are ready when it hits. Next time on a journey through NW High school.