Chapter 3 - Aftermath
Henry's death impacted everyone. It hit the engines hard from everywhere across the island. Even up at the narrow gauge railway the engines mourned the death of Henry. Sir Topham Hatt decided it was only fair to hold the funeral service at a large yard in Vicarstown so engines could attend if they wished. Thomas decided he would continue working so his friends would be able to go to the funeral. The war was almost won now, it had been just over a week since Henry died. And just two after Tidmouth was bombed. Thomas stopped passed a mirror on the side of the track.
"Oh..." Thomas said in surprise, looking at his short amount of facial hair. "Oh, I might keep that." He muttered.
With the war going on appearance was the last thing the engines had on their minds... well expect James. Thomas continued on to Knapford Yard when he saw the Fat Controller and another engine. One he hadn't seen before. She was a Bullied Pacific, very odd and certainly one Thomas hadn't seen before.
"Morning, Thomas." Sir Topham said. "This is Rebecca. I've bought her to work at Vicarstown but after what's happened she's going to join you. Try to be your cheery self."
"Yes sir. I'll try." He said as Fat Controller returned to his office.
"So you're Thomas the Tank Engine? I heard so many cool things about you and Sodor on the mainland." Rebecca said grinning from ear to ear. Thomas chuckled.
"Really? It's not as happy as they make it seem... well, not anymore."
Rebecca's face fell.
"What happened?" She asked quietly.
"The War has… Put us on edge."
"That's a shame, it seemed like such a cheerful place."
"If we live through the war, it will again... hopefully."
A small smile returned to Rebecca's face.
"Anyways, Welcome to Sodor." Thomas greeted.
Later that night after a day of work, Thomas and Rebecca came back to Tidmouth Sheds. Percy, James and Edward were already there. Edward had already fallen asleep.
"Who's your friend Thomas?" James snickered.
"Her name is Rebecca. She was going to work in Vicarstown but now she's here... for obvious reasons."
The shed fell silent as they remembered their friend.
"Well it's nice to meet you Rebecca." Percy said forcing a smile.
"Thank you, what were you're names?" Rebecca asked as she backed into the empty birth on the left.
"I'm Percy. Edward is the one asleep. And-"
"And I'm James, hottest engine on sodor."
"Bin it James." Thomas grunted. Percy chuckled.
"That kind of sounded like Gordon." He said as he continued giggling.
"Funny Percy."
They all looked to see Gordon sitting on the turntable, grumpy as always. Then his eyes locked on Rebecca.
"You're in Henry's spot." He said firmly.
"Oh, sorry. Thomas said it was empty," Rebecca said, utterly confused.
"Don't do this Gordon." Thomas sighed.
"Topham didn't even wait three days to replace him."
"Henry wouldn't want you to get mad about it."
"Don't tell me what he'd want!" Gordon shouted. "He'd want to be alive!"
"We can't change that! You might get blown up tomorrow."
"I don't want her here!"
"Don't blame her, She doesn't even know he died!"
"STOP SHOUTING!" Percy boomed. All the engines were shocked an engine as small as Percy could make such a noise. Percy had tears running down his face as he sobbed. "I can't take all the fighting."
"I'm sorry Percy. Sorry everyone," Gordon said as he backed into his berth with a tear running down his face.
"What was your name my dear?" Edward asked.
"Rebecca." She said scared to death by the fight.
"We're sorry for this, we lost someone recently." Edward clarified.
Rebecca just nodded and tried to calm herself. She looked over at Gordon, who tried to smile to show he wasn't mad. Even if it wasn't a full smile, it still made her feel easier.