Sunshine's True First Day
A few days after the Duchess docking, Sunshine, the little river tug was getting used to his new life in Bigg City Port, despite his incident with the Duchess, which turned out to be a farce.
At the beginning of this day, the sun is now rising and on this morning, Sunshine, the seventh member of the Star Tugs, was the first tug to have woken up.
Very quietly, he left his dock and headed out into the open.
He looked around to see if there were any boats moving past. Right now, the coast is clear and Sunshine moored into position where he can get a great view. "Okay," he said to himself, "This is good enough. Still, a decent view from up river."
He saw an amazing sight. Watching the sun rise. "They say it's just as amazing as watching it from up river," Sunshine said. Sunshine stared out into the open for a minute or two.
"Good morning, Sunshine," a familiar voice called. It is Ten Cents, another harbour switcher like him. "Hey, Ten Cents," Sunshine answered. "Watching the sunrise," Ten Cents said.
"Oh, yes," Sunshine replied, "I'm getting a first class view, aren't it?" "Yes," Ten Cents answered, "You can put it like that. Sometime, whenever I'm up this early, I'd like to watch the sun rise." "So do I," said Sunshine.
Soon enough, another tug steamed up to them. It is Hercules, Captain Star's only ocean tug and the biggest tug Sunshine had ever seen. "Good morning, Ten Cents," Hercules said, "And good morning, Sunshine."
"Good morning," the two switchers answered, even though Sunshine hadn't properly met Hercules. "Now is your chance," Ten Cents said, "Sunshine, meet Hercules." "Hello, Hercules," Sunshine said sheepishly. "Well, hello to you, too, Sunshine," Hercules answered.
"Too bad you've had to miss the Duchess," Ten Cents added. "Yes, sorry," Hercules replied, "Many regrets. And sorry that I didn't meet you, too, Sunshine." "Ah, no problem, Hercules," Sunshine answered, "I've known that you've had an important job."
"Well," said Hercules, "I'll try to spend more in in Bigg City Port." "Good idea, Hercules," Ten Cents answered, "But now, let's enjoy the sun rise." "That's what I've started!" Sunshine said excitedly. So they did, but they soon left to join the Star briefing.
On their way back to the Star Pier, the three tugs watched the Z-Stacks, their rivals setting out to do a job. "Yes," Sunshine said, "I 'll try to be careful around them." "That's good," said Hercules. "I wonder what they're up to?" Ten Cents asked.
"Looks like another attempt for Captain Zero to try and make more money," Hercules said. "Aye," Sunshine said.
The three tugs returned to the Star Dock where the other four Star Tugs had woken up. "Ah, early start with the newcomer," OJ said just waking up, "That's good to know." "Yes," Top Hat yawned, "Well, "I've though of it first!"
"Sure you have," Big Mac said, "You always think of everything first." "Really?" Warrior asked. "No," Big Mac answered. Top Hat just sniffed. Then he said, "So, Sunshine, did you enjoy your sightseeing?"
"Oh, yes!" Sunshine answered excitedly, "Watching the sun rise here is just as amazing as watching it from up river!" "We can see!" said Top Hat. "Just make sure you don't get into any trouble," OJ added. "Don't worry," said Ten Cents, "I made sure that doesn't happen again." "Just checking," Hercules added.
Soon enough, the tugs heard a sound. "All right, everyone," OJ said, "Enough. Captain Star is here." Of course, the Star Tugs' boss, Captain Star had just arrived. He then called out of the buildings window with his megaphone.
"Good morning, everyone," he said, "I take it that our newcomer had just enjoyed his first sightseeing here." "Yes, Captain," Ten Cents said. "Well," Captain Star went on, "That's enough of that. Today is a busy day."
"Yes, sir," Sunshine said excitedly. "Ten Cents," Captain Star began, "You have your normal jobs, and I want you to show Sunshine around. Sunshine, you help Ten Cents, but learn while you work."
"Yes, sir!" Sunshine shouted. "That is right, Sunshine," said Ten Cents, "This will be your real first day." "Because of the Duchess," Big Mac added. "All right," Captain Star said, "That's in the past. This now."
"Right, sir," Big Mac said and Captain Star gave out the rest of the jobs for the day then the star tugs left the pier.
Ten Cents and Sunshine left to do their jobs. Hercules left to move several tramp steamers into their docks while Big Mac, OJ and Warrior set off to move barges. Top Hat left to do his usual car ferry job.
"Why me?" Top Hat groaned. "Just be lucky you're not doing the Zero's job now!" Big Mac said. Afterwards, the Star Tugs started their jobs. On their way, they saw what the Z-Stacks were doing. "I am right," said Hercules.
Because of the Z-Stacks' leader, Zorran's deception with the Duchess, their boss, Captain Zero had ordered all of his tugs to work with dredging the harbour. It is a nasty job. "Eh," Ten Cents replied, then he said to himself, "Serves them right."
The Star tugs started their work while the Z-Stacks worked with dredgers and barges carrying ocean mud. "So, whose idea was that anyway?" Zip asked. "Maybe yours," Zug answered. "But I thought it was me," Zip said. "Actually," Zug said.
"Just shut your mouths!" Zorran shouted, "And get back to work!" And Zip and Zug left to take away more barges of sludge. "GRRR!" Zorran growled, "I try to help win the Duchess contract and this is how Captain Zero rewards us!" "Uh," Zebedee said, "You know, that was a deceptive move with that little switcher."
"Yes, true," Zak agreed. "Don't remind me, you idiots!" Zorran said. And that's when a dredger dumped mud on Zorran's deck. "Uh, you got some-" Zebedee said. "I know, you idiot!" Zorran shouted.
Aside from that, Ten Cent's job was to move a barge of steel to a customer. "All right, Sunshine," Ten Cents said, "Now you help me with the other barge." "Yes," Sunshine said, "Ten Cents." "Yes," Ten Cents replied. And with that, the two star switchers had successfully delivered their barge loads.
After the work is done, the two star switchers felt happy. "You're learning on what we do here," Ten Cents said, "You did a great job!" "Thanks, Ten Cents!" Sunshine said excitedly.
He then shot forward ready to do his next job. "Oi watch out, Sunshine!" Ten Cents called. Sunshine managed to avoid running into another tug. "Oh, sorry, mister," Sunshine said to the tug, which is a tug from the navy. "Uh," Ten Cents groaned as he knew who Sunshine had run into.
"Move it, civilian!" the naval tug shouted. This made Sunshine back up nervously. "Oh, I'm sorry," he said. "I'm sorry," said Ten Cents, "This is Sunshine. He's new here." "Well," the naval tugs said to Ten Cents, "Train him better, civilian!"
And the navy tug set off mumbling, "Dumb civilians that are newcomers! They don't know everything!" "What was that all about?" Sunshine asked. "Oh, that's Bluenose," said Ten Cents, "Do yourself a favor and try to stay clear of him."
Soon enough, Top Hat and OJ arrived after they've watched the incident. They also saw the navy tug, who is Bluenose ordered a small mail boat out of his way. "Yes," Top Hat groaned, "That Bluenose, part of the navy." "The navy?" Sunshine asked. "It's best not to try and pick a fight with the naval tug," OJ suggested.
"You'll understand someday, Sunshine," Ten Cents said. "Yes," Top Hat added, "Please steer clear of that coast guard wannabe. What a annoying rowboat." "I heard that, Top Hat, civilian!" Bluenose shouted from a distance. "He's got good hearing," Ten Cents said. "Great," Top Hat mumbled.
"I can't tell which is worse," Frank, one of Top Hat's rail barges said. "Bluenose," Eddie, the other railway barge, said, "Or Top Hat." "Apart from you two," Top Hat said to the two railway barges.
"Uh, hey, Frank and Eddie," Sunshine said to the two railway barges. "Hello, Sunshine, both Frank and Eddie said, "It's nice to meet you!" "Yes," Top Hat said, "Well, look at the time, I must go now!"
Top Hat then got the two railway barges and left in a hurry. "All right now," OJ said, "That's done, back to work." "Don't worry, Sunshine," Ten Cents said, "The navy's not all consisting of jerks like Bluenose." "I heard that, civilian!" Bluenose shouted from a distance. "He's got good hearing," Sunshine said.
Afterwards, the two switchers carried on with the rest of their jobs for the day. Then when they were moving a small floating crane into a dock, they've noticed something. "Hello," said Sunshine. That's when the water in front of the two switchers bubbled. "Oi," Ten Cents said, "Here he comes now."
That's when a small midget submarine bobbed up in front of them." "Morning, Ten Cents," he said. "Oh yes," Ten Cents said, "Sunshine, I'd like you to meet our good friend, Grampus. The navy's own submarine."
"A new friend," Grampus said, "Nice to meet you." "My name is Sunshine," Sunshine said, "I'm from up river." "Well," Grampus said, "Welcome to Bigg City Port." "A more friendlier greeting for our newcomer, Sunshine," Ten Cents said. "I've take it that you've ran into Bluenose," Grampus said sympathetically.
"Yes," Sunshine said. "Don't worry, Sunshine," Ten Cents said, "Grampus is friendly." "Yes," Grampus said, "I've had to deal with Bluenose's attitude. Thinking he's always above civilians."
"I've found out," said Sunshine, "But I'm happy to be where I am now." "That's good," said Grampus. "I'll keep it that way," Sunshine added, "And I'm going to prove it."
Nearby, they saw a familiar sight. "Looks like Sally Seaplane is getting ready to take off," Ten Cents said. "Oh," Sunshine said excitedly. The two then met up with Sally. "Hello," Sally called out to the two switchers, "Ten Cents, Sunshine."
"Hello, Sally," Sunshine answered, "You're getting ready to take off?" "Yes, Sunshine," Sally answered, "I take it that you've already met Grampus by now." "Oh, yes," Grampus answered. That's when the Coat Guard had arrived. "Well," said Ten Cents, "You're all clear, Sally."
"I see," said Sally and with that, with the waterway clear, Sally Seaplane took off for her afternoon flight. "Keeping things under control with the new kid?" the Coast Guard said to Ten Cents. "That's the way it is," Ten Cents said. "Hi," Sunshine said. "Well," the Coast Guard replied, "Keep up the good work." And the Coast Guard left.
"Now, Sunshine," Ten Cents said, "That's our Coast Guard. He and his friends keep the harbour safe." "And they maintain law and order here," Grampus added. "Nice guy," Sunshine said, "Better than that Bluenose." "True," Ten Cents said, "But still." "I know," Sunshine replied.
As they turned to go, they saw something near a dock. "Well," Ten Cents said, "There is your hero. Something like that." "Oh?" Sunshine asked. By now they watched Big Mac as he had finished docking Izzy Gomez, the Mexican tramp steamer into another dock.
"There," Big Mac said. "Oh, thank you," Izzy Gomez said. The old tramp steam then paid Big Mac his fee. "What?!" Big Mac replied, only getting less money that what he'd expect. "That Izzy Gomez," Ten Cents said.
"Oh, that cheapskate," Hercules said, commenting about Izzy Gomez when he had returned from taking a tramp steamer out to sea. "Well," Ten Cents said, "Sunshine, thank Izzy, for telling me that it was Zorran who sabotage the Duchess docking." "Well," Sunshine said, "Thank you, Izzy." "Yes, I see," said Hercules.
Hours later, the four continued on and they came across another tug, armed with water cannons. "I take it that's the Fire Chief," Sunshine said. "You're right," Hercules answered.
"Uh, hi?" Sunshine said nervously. "Hello," the Fire Chief answered, "Can I help you with something?" "Uh, just saying hello," Sunshine answered, "I'm new here." "Okay then," the Fire Chief said in response, "You know my job."
"I understand," Sunshine said, "I know." Sunshine, knowing the Fire Tug's job, decided not to talk to him some more. "A wise choice, Sunshine," Hercules said, "Sunshine I'm proud of you now." "Thanks," Sunshine answered.
"Still," Ten Cents said, "We need to get this fire barge refilled with water. You know, fire fighting job." "Yes," Sunshine said. So, the two switchers got the empty fire barge refilled with water.
That is when they saw Warrior already hurrying to do his next job. But not before bumping into one of the Fire chief's barges, thus, setting it off and spraying the Chief with water. "Oops," Warrior said, "Sorry, sir." The Fire Chief just scoffed at Warrior. "Like that," Sunshine said.
"I wonder how many barges Warrior has bumped into by now," Ten Cents teased. "Better make that two," Sunshine said. "You saw that, Hercules," Warrior asked, "Haven't you?" "Yes," Hercules answered. "Looks like the new tug is learning much by now?" Warrior added.
"Yes," Sunshine answered. "More behaved than you, Warrior," Ten Cents teased. "All right," Grampus said, "We get it."
For the rest of the day, work carried on and near the before sundown, the tugs finished their last jobs. "And now, one more job," Ten Cents said. "Okay," Hercules said.
By now, Grampus had returned to the navy, leaving the three tugs.
With Hercules, both Ten Cents and Sunshine took one fuel barge out to the estuary. "It'll be time," said Hercules. The three then headed out to the entrance to the harbour.
Near Dem Der Rocks, they found Lillie Lightship, getting ready to flash her light, warning ships to stay away from the dangerous rocks. Lillie then saw the three tugs and greeted them warmly. "Hello, Lillie," Ten Cents said. "Hey, Ten Cents and Hercules," Lillie answered, "So that's Sunshine?" "Yes," Sunshine answered.
"Didn't think he came up this way anyway," Ten Cents said. "Okay," Hercules said, "Can't waste any time. Lillie, my dear, had an important job." "Right," Ten Cents answered. So, once Lillie had enough fuel, she had shined her light across the distance.
"There," said Ten Cents. "What a beautiful light," Sunshine said. "Oh, thanks for the compliment," Lillie said. "Okay," Hercules said, "We can't stay out here for too long." "Okay," Ten Cents said, "Go ahead, Sunshine."
For about 15 minutes, Sunshine and Lillie had exchanged their stories and soon afterwards, it was time for the three Star Tugs to return home. "See you tomorrow, Lillie!" Sunshine called out. "Okay, see you tomorrow," Lillie answered.
The three Star Tugs left for home. Then Lillie commented, "Delicious Hercules." "I don't get that," Sunshine said as he left. "Maybe that's for the better," Ten Cents added.
But then, Sunshine had nearly ran into a bell buoy. But luckily, he had stopped. "Oh," Ten Cents said, "Watch out for bell buoys. They have an important job, too. And they're irate." "I see," Sunshine said.
After sundown, the Star Tugs returned to the Star Pier. Before leaving, Captain Star told his tugs that the Duchess would be leaving tomorrow.
"All right," Hercules said, "Everyone, get ready for tomorrow." "Okay," Ten Cents said, "Tomorrow, things will be right for you." "Yes," Sunshine agreed. "Okay then," Top Hat said, "Now don't bother me! I'm tired." "Frank and Eddie had annoyed him all day," Sunshine said.
"Now come on," Big Mac said, "Let's get some sleep." "Tomorrow will be a busy day," OJ added. With that, almost all the Star Tugs fell fast asleep.
But Sunshine stayed awake for a while. "Tomorrow," he said, "I'm not going to screw up!" Then he fell asleep.
The next morning, with the tide high enough, the Star Tugs woke up and started their day. Captain Star gave one last briefing and everyone got ready. "Okay then," OJ said, "It's time for the Duchess to leave." "Oh, yes," Top Hat replied, "I knew that. Can't waste any time now."
"Then let's get to it," said Warrior, steaming off, but striking Top Hat in the stern in the process, sending him forward. "Oh!" Top Hat groaned, "That's going to leave a mark!" "Let's get on with it," OJ said. "Without any more mishaps," Sunshine added. "That's determination," Ten Cents added.
The Star Tugs set off to the ocean liner pier where the Duchess had been docked for the last few days. Right now, the tide is high, making the water deep enough for the huge ocean liner.
The big tugs, Hercules, Big Mac, Warrior and Top Hat towed the Duchess away from her dock and prepared to move her into position. It took a long time and OJ, Ten Cents and Sunshine helped to clear a path for the big ocean liner to leave.
Nearby, Grampus emerged to see what is going on. "Today," Sunshine explained, "The Duchess is leaving. And I'm helping for real this time!" "That's great, Sunshine," Grampus said, "Then I'd better stay out of the way." "Good choice," Ten Cents said. And Grampus moved out of the way.
Then when the big liner had been moved into position, all seven tugs got ready to lead her out of the harbour with Hercules pulling in the front. "Looks like the Zeros made themselves useful after all!" Big Mac said.
With the water deep enough, it became easier for the tugs to move the big ocean liner out of the harbour. Ten Cents and Sunshine helped keep the big ship secure with the rest of the Star Fleet pulled from the sides.
"I don't feel like singing some stupid song about this," Top Hat said to himself, "Where did that come from anyway? Oh well, I don't care." At once, the Duchess is on her way out of the harbour.
"Good job, Sunshine," Grampus said from a distance. "Take care kid," the Coast Guard and the Fire Chief said.
Hours later, the Star Fleet got the Duchess out of Bigg City Port's harbour limits and thus, she was on her way to the next port. Sunshine felt proud with himself. "Cast off, everyone!" Hercules called.
The rest of the star tugs released their towropes and with one last big blast of her horn, the Duchess bid 'farewell' and left. "Sunshine," Ten Cents said, "You did great today." "Thank you, Ten Cents," Sunshine said, "A lot better without some creep."
"Okay, put it that way," Ten Cents said. "Yes," Top Hat agreed, "New kid, you did, well, beyond my expectation!" "Yes," OJ agreed, "But we all did a great job today." "Right to agree with Ten Cents," Big Mac added, "About not having the crooks part." "Okay," Ten Cents said.
"Okay," Hercules said, "Well, nothing to do out here. Back to Bigg City Port, everyone." "All right," Warrior said, "Let's go back!" Warrior immediately headed back to Bigg City Port. But not without bumping into Top Hat again. "Ouch!" Top Hat groaned, "Strike two!"
Also, Warrior had bumped into the bell buoy from last night. "Strike three!" Top Hat groaned. "Right," Sunshine said Lillie, who had watched the whole thing, was very proud of the star tugs. "Good job," she said.
After the Star Tugs returned, they took a long rest and then returned to work for the rest of the day. Also, upon returning to Bigg City Port, Sunshine, feeling proud of helping out today, promised to be a hard working tug for the fleet. "Now it has begun!" he said.
Nearby, Zorran, who is still covered with sea bottom mud, watched with fury and anger. "I'll get that star switcher next time!" he fumed.