My Duty is Clear

by AaronCottrell97

Having imprisoned Baz in solitary confinement, David now turns his attention to Bernie, who is being held on a term of seven years for coinciding with Baz. David makes a most difficult decision of offering Bernie one chance of reclaiming his future and being a better man, requesting to the Court a conditional release of Bernie, placing him on probation and community service.

4. An Unexpected Date

After another summer's night had gone by, the sun shone over the hills and beamed through Arlesburgh. Onboard the Sea Emperor, Bernie was sound asleep in his hammock when the sun came beaming in from outside. Slowly, he woke up and stretched himself, then sat up in his hammock. In the moments that followed, he started remembering all that had happened the day before regarding a very hot day during his work, occasional complaining about it to David, then his unfortunate big splash at Bluff's Cove, during which several people around him called him ugly and really shouted him down, which then resulted in a warning from the Arlesburgh Constable for Bernie not to repeat such a stunt.

For a moment, Bernie felt as though today would be just as hard, if not even harder than the day before as he could still hear those children's voices ringing through his head.

"Ugly! Ugly! Ugly! Ugly! Ugly! Ugly!"

Bernie's heart flipped with a hint of fear as he leaned forward in his hammock and rubbed his forehead with both hands, groaning softly to himself. But then, within moments, his most recent memory crept back to him as he remembered talking with Lola just the evening before, and about her offer to have him join her at the Seaside Bistro for dinner…away from his regular routine of probation. Bernie could almost hear Lola's voice.

"Depending on your terms of probation, and if Captain Rider agrees…are you free for dinner tomorrow? 6:30 p.m.? At the Seaside Bistro?"

It was then that Bernie suddenly forgot to feel hopeless and daunted with what he had to do, and he then began to smile with beaming optimism, talking aloud to himself about her offer…until he started worrying again.

"Oh, my. Will today be the day?" he asked himself. "Having a lovely dinner with Lola? At a restaurant! Ohh, that would be most lovely! Ohh…but then…what would he say? What would they say? And…the Constable? Ohh…there must be some way. Some way?"

"You're not just going to sit here and daydream, are you?" came a voice inside Bernie's head.

Bernie was confused at first, wondering why he was hearing this…or why it sounded like it was right on his shoulder. When he looked, he was most befuddled and confused. There on Bernie's shoulder, so far as he could see, was his shoulder angel, not too different from how Thomas saw his own angel and devil shortly before his inner demon was vanquished.

"What the…blimey, what's going on here?" Bernie asked. "Is it something I ate?"

"No. Not in the least," said the angel. "I'm your voice of reason, of course. That is, what little there is for you."

"No, you're not!" came a second, more rebellious voice. Bernie's shoulder devil. "That little bug is leading you down the path of being flawless and unexciting. I'll form a path for you that brings forth excitement, adventure, and freedom, without all this picky probation! Trust me!"

"Now don't you start tempting him now!" the angel scolded. "Not after that big splash at Bluff's Cove!"

"What…this…you and…ohh, just what's happening?!" Bernie exclaimed. "Why are you both here in front of me?"

"We're working through your ongoing thoughts, of course," said the angel. "And as we fully know, you're thinking about Lola's visit with you last night…and how you wish to be her guest tonight at a divine restaurant."

"Yeah. That's right," said Bernie. "A date with the lassie, Lola. She came to me last night and made the offer, and I'd adore a proper meal beyond those rations. But then…oh, dear. How would I fit in after my big splash yesterday? If they all start calling me ugly there…like at the beach?"

"What happened at Bluff's Cove was much more than what goes on in a restaurant," said the angel. "They'd do no such thing in any restaurant. Besides, a little outing with her would be a fair escape from your labor work, so long as it's done in an orderly manner."

"Yeah. That's all lovely," said Bernie. "And I would absolutely love to get away from all this silly work…except for one problem."

"What?" both the angel and devil asked.

"Captain Rider, of course," said Bernie.

"Oh…right," his devil said begrudgingly. "That silly stick-in-the mud. Spoil sport."

The angel's remark was more practical.

"Well…when he says you're forbidden from leaving Arlesburgh alone, does he mean, 'alone,' alone? Even with Lola?"

"Yeah. 'Alone,' alone," said Bernie. "The captain would be most miffed if I asked him for clearance. Especially after that splash yesterday."

"Who says you've got to ask?" his devil smirked. "You sneak out…then you sneak back in."

Even for Bernie's simple mind, this was too risky for him to think of.

"No. I don't like it," he said grimly. "One more pinch, and he'll throw the keys away."

"Better to beg forgiveness than ask permission," said his devil. "What Rider doesn't know won't hurt you."

"Ehh, shut up!" Bernie's angel snarked to his devil. "Be honest with Captain Rider and yourself, Bernie. You really ought to ask him permission first, and see what he thinks first. Perhaps a strong day's work today will convince him well enough. Don't you think?"

Then both angel and devil vanished from Bernie's sight. Bernie thought and puzzled for a moment, then perked up with a smile as he started making his way to the stairs to the top deck.

"Yeah. That'd be lovely," he said merrily to himself. "A jolly good idea! I can pull through today, sail right through my work and-"

"Good morning, Bernie," came David's voice. Bernie looked and saw him right there with a mug of ginger beer in his hand.

"O-oh…Good morning…Captain," Bernie said lowly.

"Lad, whoever are you talking to?" David asked. "I see you're awake before any of my crew came to rouse you."

"Uhh…no one in particular. I was just talking allowed to myself," said Bernie. "Because…well…for today…I've been thinking."

"You've been thinking?!" David exclaimed. "Now, look here, Bernie, your probation should be warning you about thinking! I've got the knob for this job, so let's get on with your day."

"Uhh…yeah. Right," said Bernie.

"Furthermore, Bernie, you won't want to talk aloud in front of too many people," said David. "Now. I've a little word to have with you before you start any work."

"What be that?" asked Bernie.

David drew a few sheets of paper as he and Bernie sat down at two stools.

"Since I gave it to you last night, I assume you've had adequate time to study," said David. "Shall we review your law alphabet today?"

Bernie was suddenly caught off guard by this. He knew David intended to go over that alphabet, but he never expected it to be this soon. But after what reading he had done the evening before, he reluctantly decided to comply.

"Oh. Uhh…Aye, captain. Right a-away."

"Very well," said David. "Let's see what you've taken the time to learn. A?"

"A…Attorney," Bernie answered. "Meaning a…lawyer. Someone who acts for someone in…uhh…legal matters."

David raised an eyebrow and nodded before continuing. "B?"

"Bail," said Bernie. "Release of a…um…fugitive awaiting trial, usually through a lovely amount of money."

"Hmm. C?" said David.

"C-c-Condemn. To sentence a fugitive to their fate, as it were," said Bernie.

"D?"

"Damages. Making amends through money for past offenses."

"E?"

"Evidence. Proof or material which drives a case forward in either direction," said Bernie.

David then started to drink his ginger beer. "Good. F?"

"Food," Bernie said, without fully thinking in that moment.

For the first time ever, David spat out his ginger beer and coughed in recoil. "Excuse me?"

"F-forgiveness!" Bernie corrected himself hastily.

"You said 'food'," David sniffed as he rose from his seat.

"No!" Bernie protested, but David started walking away.

"You are thinking about going to the Seaside Bistro. Outside of Arlesburgh," David spoke solidly. "Don't think the word didn't spread. Copper informed me about your visit…with some Lola figure, so she's called. I'd say not, after your splash yesterday."

"It-it's just that…I've been working here every day. As hard as I can!" Bernie insisted. "And I'd like to be Lola's guest and-"

"YOU are my parolee. You MUST adhere to your probation, invitations or not," David replied. "And I've too much to do today to tarry along with you outside the village. Besides, you haven't a penny to spare, and what's more, with countless patrons and waiters in a place like that, no thievery you might have contemplated would ever succeed."

Bernie followed David upstairs to the Sea Emperor's deck and stood beside him as the sun rose higher.

"But…please, Captain," said Bernie. "Isn't this whole thing about me having another chance with society?"

David sighed a little strongly before making his answer.

"Huh…yes, Bernie, it is. But can't you understand? With your big splash at Bluff's Cove only yesterday, surely anyone who sees you now would start spreading rumours all over the island. As Hetty and Geraldine have impolitely shown, you could be up for verbal grabs when you're out there performing your labour. And think of the World of Tomorrow. When your heartless master Baz abandoned you in Kenji's coach, anyone else would have trampled you. And this is my thanks for ensuring you're allowed to walk with society again?"

"I…I'm sorry, sir," Bernie answered. "I…I didn't mean to upset you, Captain. It's just…well, Lola thought perhaps I need a little…change of scene, as it's called? And surely asking you permission first was really useful?"

David looked sharply at Bernie, but then seemed to almost smile.

"Hmm. Perhaps I can think about it," said David. "If this Lola you speak of is true at heart, I could talk with her myself. But I'm not guaranteeing anything."

"Will you? Well…thank you, Captain," said Bernie. "And…I'm sorry for…miffing you just now."

"You are forgiven," David answered. "But whatever happens today, remember, Bernie. This is your sanctuary. Now, no more dreaming. You have work to do."

Bernie watched as David pointed to the lighthouse. With Lola in mind, and with the weather feeling quite cooler than the previous hot day, Bernie decided not to object at all, and went right on his way.

"Yes, sir. I will."

And Bernie set off for the lighthouse to perform his three hours of keeping watch for boats. As he watched Bernie go, in a moment of uncertainty, David spoke lowly to himself.

"Lola…"

By this time, the other engines had already woken up, and were at Knapford Station, making ready with their own day. Thomas, Annie and Clarabel, Emily and Rebecca were waiting at their platforms for their passengers, and Gordon was busy shunting trucks in the yard, still waiting for his chance to pull coaches again. The other engines had already heard what had happened at Bluff's Cove the night before, and were all feeling considerably cautious on the off chance they would see Bernie or not.

"Well," said Gordon. "If that Bernie gets any more bright ideas as he did yesterday, David really ought to drop the whole matter and let the police manage Bernie themselves!"

"Honestly, Gordon," Emily sighed. "Bernie did make a steady mistake yesterday, but that shouldn't land him back with the police. All the same, David would do well to keep a closer eye on him."

Just then, the Fat Controller came out of his office with a brisk step in his pace.

"Your attention, please," he said to the four engines.

"Good morning, sir," said Thomas. "What's the word?"

"Is there any more news about David and Bernie?" asked Emily. "We told the others the news last night."

"As a matter of fact, Emily, there is indeed more news," said the Fat Controller. "Most unexpected news too, given yesterday's events."

"What do you mean, sir?" asked Rebecca. "Has something else happened with Bernie?"

"No…but given what I have just learned this morning, something else might happen today," said the Fat Controller. "As you all recall, Bernie had a big splash at Bluff's Cove only yesterday, and that did not go very…ahem…swimmingly. But it seems that not even one day after that incident, Bernie has another plan for today."

All the engines looked solidly to the Fat Controller and spoke in unison.

"What plan?"

The Fat Controller sighed as he answered.

"Well…I have heard from Copper just this morning…that despite his big splash only yesterday, Bernie intends to go out for dinner with some young lady called Lola. To the Seaside Bistro some ways from Arlesburgh."

Thomas and Emily immediately took note of this, while Gordon and Rebecca gasped together.

"Do you mean to say, sir, that Bernie will be venturing outside Arlesburgh again?" Emily asked with alert. "On an outing with someone else?"

"Yes, Emily. That is, so he hopes to do," said the Fat Controller. "Copper saw Lola visit Bernie only yesterday evening, and she seems kind and supportive enough, but if I were David, I really don't know what I would think."

Gordon, as usual, was considerably indignant with the matter.

"That thief wants another outing, right after his big splash and getting in the way of James' holidaymakers! Well! If I may, sir, you may tell Bernie that Rebecca's express will have NO spare seats for him aboard her coaches! Or mine, for that matter."

"With all due respect, sir, I do agree with Gordon," said Rebecca. "I wouldn't let him aboard my coaches either."

"Neither would I," said Thomas. "While I do hope David's plan works for Bernie, I trust Annie and Clarabel wouldn't want a thief of any sort riding on them."

"Most certainly not!" Annie spoke at once. "What if he stole the Railway Inspector's gold watch himself?"

"Not a chance!" Clarabel added. "We can't take chances with a thief like him! Wouldn't you agree, Emily?"

Emily wondered to herself as she still hadn't made up her mind about Bernie.

"Oh, dear…I don't know what to make of Bernie myself, your ladyships. I want to be optimistic for him, but given his past with Baz and the whole mess they caused, I wouldn't be comfortable with him in my coaches either."

"I think you are all right to think such," said the Fat Controller. "I would never allow him on any of your coaches myself. Anyway, as your passengers will be here soon, I would advise you all to go about your own work, while David does his with Bernie."

"Of course, sir," the engines answered together.

Before long, the passengers arrived, and Emily and Rebecca set off along the Main Line while Thomas made for his Branch Line, with all three engines thinking lightly to themselves as to what Bernie would go through today.

---

Meanwhile, Bernie was keeping a diligent watch in the lighthouse with Captain Joe, taking great care not to miss any boats and ships on the horizon. If he stood any chance of an outing with Lola, he had to make the impressions as good as they could be. This time, Bernie made sure to spot whatever boat he laid eyes on, and kept notifying Captain Joe with every detail as time passed.

"There's one, Captain Joe. To the left…there's another one. And another…and another…and another!"

Captain Joe took subtle note of Bernie's attention to detail and wondered what this could be about, but he was nonetheless pleased with Bernie's progress.

For the whole three hours in the lighthouse, Bernie watched for ships and boats, and with his driven attention to detail today, he didn't miss a single vessel. When the town clock struck 11:00 a.m., Captain Joe seemed impressed.

"Well, Bernie. I think I should say well done. Miraculous, given who you are, but I noticed you missed no vessels at all today."

"Yeah. Well…I just thought it be most useful to be…well…really useful, you see?" said Bernie.

"Hmm. Well, the fishing boats need your pair of hands for those lobsters now," said Captain Joe. "Off you go, then."

So Bernie did. He left the lighthouse and made his way back to the fishing boats where Jordan, Cecco and Adam were already potting for lobsters. When Bernie came aboard and got ready with his own lobster pot, they noticed how he paid quite close attention to the pots, and was swift and sure with each lobster he caught. After an hour's work, Cecco noticed Bernie's progress and touched Jordan's shoulder.

"What's going on, Jordan?"

"I don't know, but I do know that he must be thinking," Jordan replied. "Why else would he be doing so…so well…say…"

Cecco and Adam looked with Jordan and saw that Bernie had potted around twelve lobsters. The most he had ever caught since his probation began. But something else was different. The three sailors noticed Bernie was looking very closely at one of the pots, as if he were studying the lobster.

"Hmm…they look like giant bugs," Bernie said quietly to himself. "How are you supposed to eat these things anyway?"

"Uhh…Bernie?" Jordan spoke, making him look up. "I see you've quite a pile right there. Might I suggest you keep it up?"

"Oh, yes. Right. Of course," Bernie noted as he resumed his work.

Over the next two hours, Bernie's progress was quite slower than it was, but it was still an impressive catch for the person that he was. Then sure enough, just before 1:00 p.m., David came along to check the progress. Bernie watched as he came down the pier stairs and then onboard the boat. Then he looked and suddenly stopped.

"Yes, Captain. We were wondering what you'd think of this," said Cecco. "That's all Bernie's work there."

David looked at all the lobsters Bernie had managed to catch and was fairly surprised. Fifteen lobsters altogether.

"Well, my word, Bernie," he said. "Most impressive numbers, regarding your previous two records. More than I would have expected coming from you. Now, I see it's 1:00 now. Come aboard for lunch."

"Yes! Luncheon. Of course," Bernie answered as he followed David. "Right away! Of course!"

"Hmm. This is most unexpected," said Cecco. "What could be driving him?"

"Perhaps we'll find out," said Adam. "There's bound to be a reason, and Captain surely knows it himself, I trust."

Onboard the Sea Emperor, Bernie was soon served his ration and was dining away. Unlike before, he didn't complain about the ration sizes this time, being too occupied by the prospect of dinner with Lola to really care or worry. Once Bernie's ration was done, he looked around and saw David standing along the pier. Then Bernie noticed. With what time he had to spare before he had to resume work, he decided perhaps he should talk with David about his little prospect. Furthermore, he began to wonder if Lola would come along and talk with David herself, as she had promised the evening before. Thinking carefully, Bernie left the Sea Emperor and approached the pier to see David.

"Uhh…Captain?" he asked carefully.

"Bernie?" David answered. "What are you doing here? You still have a little while before you start work again."

"Well…uhh…about my outing with Lola," Bernie tried to get it out. "And well…I was wondering…have you been…?"

"I have been thinking, Bernie, yes," said David. "Honestly, I wish I could allow it unconditionally, but given the circumstances and your probation's terms, and of course, Bluff's Cove yesterday, I do NOT wish for any foul-ups to occur. In the midst of this ongoing trial of yours, I do truly hope you succeed, and an outing like this makes me think there may be some unforeseen errors that might befall you, Lola, or both. Surely, you'd understand that? Wouldn't you?"

"Uhh…yeah," said Bernie. "But just think, if it went all lovely and jolly?"

Before David could answer, Hetty and Geraldine came walking along the pier again to see what Bernie was up to today. Having heard what happened at Bluff's Cove, their view on Bernie had become much dimmer than it started out, and to that effect, they had no qualms in shaming him about it, quite intentionally.

"Oh, look Geraldine," said Hetty. "If it isn't the waddling, splashing walrus, Bernie. Almost drowned those children having so much fun! Such an embarrassment for the poor captain."

"Oh, yes, Hetty," Geraldine sniffed. "And no doubt, that Bernie's been falling behind schedule with his labor too. Wouldn't that be a fine date for Lola? Indeed!"

David's eyes glittered with sheer annoyance for both women's words, and Bernie suddenly looked quite red.

"But…but ladies. That was only an accident yesterday!" he exclaimed. "And what about my lovely catch today? Fifteen lobsters! I'm being really useful, see? And I'd be most happy to join Lola on her outing."

"You? At a restaurant?! He-he-he-he-he!" Geraldine laughed. "My goodness, you really don't get it, do you, Bernie?"

"You just don't understand the meaning of being a really useful Sudrian," Hetty boasted. "And probably, you never will. Certainly not a pleasant sight for many of us."

Bernie looked even more hurt by both ladies' words. David opened his mouth to scold both of them, when another voice shot through the air.

"Hey, stop your jabbing, ladies! That's enough!"

Everyone's eyes turned to the voice…and there was Lola in her light green dress, reddish hair and fair face. Bernie suddenly smiled hugely and his eyes went wide. But unlike many others in Arlesburgh, David couldn't recall ever seeing this young woman in and amongst all his routines of work and seeing Emily alike.

"Who are you?" he inquired curiously, then took hold on Bernie's shoulder as he started moving forward. "I've never seen you here before."

"Well…I'm-"

"Lola! Lola! Hello there!" Bernie called and waved vigorously. "Captain Rider, here! This is Ms. Lola!"

"You're Lola?" David asked. "The one Bernie spoke to last night, so Copper tells me? I was wondering when I'd be seeing you."

"That, I am," said Lola. "And, as you seem to know, I do have a little request to make of you, Captain Rider. Regarding Bernie."

David looked up curiously.

"Yes, my first mate says he overheard your visit last night, and he told me everything. And just what do you intend with Bernie?"

"Well, I've been seeing how he gets on with his work and probation," she said. "I've seen how many others approach him, and I really don't think it's healthy for him to be consistently scorned upon by most of the others. Including these two ladies."

Hetty and Geraldine looked away, but didn't feel much shame either.

"Perhaps not," said David. "And while I don't fully approve of such reproaching behaviour from the others, he is still my parolee. If he stands any chance of making better of himself, he will heed my command and order."

"Perhaps so," said Lola. "But I thought to myself…if perhaps I could escort Bernie…for a little outing tonight?"

Bernie gasped and looked up at once. This was his chance to find out, and he waited almost excruciatingly for what would come next. David's heart stood still for a beat and he went very still too, looking directly at the young lady.

"Lola…I've been thinking this over myself, and I'm all for Bernie having positive influence from you, but surely you know that the terms of his probation don't allow him to be outdoors past 8:00 p.m. and that he can't venture outside Arlesburgh alone without an authority escorting him."

"Indeed, he can't," Hetty cut in obstinately. "Not unless he'd want Phelps and Gallagher to drive him back to his little mouse-hole, where he'd preferably be."

"And surely, Hetty and I are much more eligible to be your guests, Lola," said Geraldine. "Think about it. We'd be three little maids from school. A much better outing than that…that waddling walrus you even thought of talking to there!"

"I can see it all too perfectly," Hetty sniffed, then recited. " 'Ooh, I'd be honoured, Miss Lola! Would you mind holding my lobster pot on the way there'?"

And both women laughed quite vainly over their little joke. Bernie looked embarrassed and quite hurt, and neither David nor Lola seemed the least bit amused.

"Well. Why not?" Lola said steadily, taking both ladies by surprise, while David looked on. "I am well aware of what has been going on with Bernie and all his hard work. But I'm not like you two ladies. Or many others who've been taking jabs at him whenever they get the chance. It's quite beneath anyone's dignity to kick him while he's down, and for him, it's not healthy for such toxic energy to be constantly weaving around him, which is why I think it most prudent that he needs a break from it all. I made him the offer to join me for dinner at 6:30 this evening. No one else did."

David raised his eyebrow and listened even closer.

"For this outing, I am willing to cover both my meal, and whatever he orders," said Lola. "He can be ready to go right after he reports to the Constable, and I can have us back before 8:00 p.m. With a legal escort, such as yourself, or one of your crew, Captain Rider, Bernie can indeed venture outside of Arlesburgh. The terms of his probation spell that out quite clearly."

"Yes. So they do," David noted as he started making a plan. "Well, I see no reason why he can't go…"

Bernie jerked his head up at once and his heart nearly burst with excitement. Lola's face lit up, and Hetty and Geraldine goggled and gaped. Then David spoke further.

"If he gets all his work done for today."

"Oh! That, I will!" Bernie said heartily. "I'll help all the lads I can!"

"And if one of my crewmen would be willing to accompany him on this outing," David continued. "And be back in time to obey his curfew at 8:00."

"I'm sure we can work something out for that," said Lola. "Thank you, Captain Rider! I'll come along as soon as the time arrives. What do you think, Bernie?"

"Yay! Brilliant! You hear that? I'm off to dinner tonight!" Bernie rejoiced. "Oh! It's 2:00 now! I'll go help Steve collect all the rubbish there may be right away! Oh, thank you, Cap'n!"

And off Bernie hobbled to resume his work throughout the afternoon. Lola smiled and waved to David as she set off herself to make ready for the outing. Hetty and Geraldine were deeply shocked.

"David! By my stars! What are you playing at?!" Hetty exclaimed.

"Do you even realize what you just said?!" Geraldine added.

David could see just what these two ladies thought of Bernie's entire situation, and pretended to go along with them both.

"Of course," he smiled thinly. "I said if."

"Oh. If," Hetty noted and smiled thinly in turn.

David smiled right back in turn and went about his work. But secretly, David hoped this outing could truly follow through. It would give him a chance to judge Bernie's performance outside of Arlesburgh, and maybe it could help diffuse some of the tension between Bernie and the rest of those around him. They would all find out in due course.

Bernie was now working alongside Steve in rubbish collecting, filling his bin with every little bit he could find, now even more eager to do the best he could. With David showing clear approval of this outing, Bernie would not overlook any opportunities now. Steve noticed Bernie's brisk but useful pace and began to wonder himself what this could mean, and several times Bernie picked up bis of rubbish before Steve could get to them first.

"Bernie, it's good to work briskly, but what gives for you?" Steve asked.

"The captain says I can have a little outing with Lola at the Seaside Bistro!" Bernie announced cheerfully. "So long as someone escorts us along of course."

Steve jumped. "To a restaurant? Seriously?"

"Yeah," Bernie replied. "Do…do you think you could be our…uhh…escort? Captain's orders, after all."

Steve pondered carefully. "Hmm…I don't know. So long as one of us goes with you, the captain should be convinced."

"Yeah. That's right," said Bernie. "But I can't stop now. Gotta be really useful, of course."

And Bernie carried on collecting rubbish, trailing up, down, left, right, here, there and everywhere. Bernie was indeed working diligently and as best he could for the simple mind he had to get through his work today. If he stood any chance of having a rest from his terms of probation, he would most certainly take it…but then as he continued to work, Bernie suddenly had another thought coming to him. Although his chances to go with Lola seemed to be soaring now, there was something else he had not thought of before. Something that would need David's help…and maybe even a tailor's hand at putting together. Bernie kept these thoughts under wraps as he kept working. Only when he had the time would he speak his mind about this.

---

At last, 4:00 p.m. came upon the day, and Bernie and Steve had finished all the rubbish collecting they could do. They were just beside the village wall with two almost overflowing bins when David came along again to check Bernie's progress. Bernie could see him nodding to all the work he did.

"Hmm. This will be a fair load to add to Whiff's Waste Dump," he noted. "Well done, Steve, and Bernie."

Steve suddenly remembered and spoke up. "Captain. Bernie told me about his upcoming date with Lola…and…well…"

"Yes, Steve?" David worked in. "What are you thinking about?"

"Well…as per his probation requirements…what do you think, sir?" said Steve. "Should I be their escort tonight?"

David thought a little bit, glancing to Bernie for a moment, then answered.

"Well, I think I'll need Copper and Jordan to stick around here with me to check the Sea Emperor…if you're willing to go along, that's fine by me, Steve. Lola intends to be here at 6:30, just after Bernie and I check in with the Constable."

"Right. I'll go," said Steve.

"And Steve," David added, then whispered lowly, so Bernie wouldn't hear. "Make absolutely sure he doesn't try anything. Despite my hopes and motivations for him, he used to be with Baz, and…well…we never know."

"Of course, sir," Steve whispered back. "Nothing will get past me."

"Good," David nodded. "Off you go."

Steve then set off on his own way while David started walking Bernie back toward the Sea Emperor.

"What was that about, Captain?" Bernie asked.

David didn't want Bernie to get any bad ideas.

"Nothing. Just working something out. And given the time it is now…I assume you'll have to make ready for Lola, won't you?"

Bernie suddenly perked up and remembered what he had thought up during his rubbish collecting, and as if on perfect cue, he saw Wainwright's tailor shop in the far distance, remembering when he took a look at it from afar.

"Actually…yeah, about that," he said curiously. "See…I've been thinking again, Captain."

"Bernie, what did I tell you about thinking?" David began a little impatiently, remembering his start with Bernie that same morning.

"But sir, well…I was thinking about my treat with Lola," said Bernie. "And I thought perhaps I might be needing…well…different clothes than these. Surely Ms. Lola would like to see me in really useful clothes beyond these?"

As they walked along, David glanced to Bernie's clothes from top to bottom. While they were perfectly normal in their own way, they were also what everyone associated Bernie with for the thief he was with Baz. It was then that even David thought maybe a change of wardrobe could do Bernie well in his ongoing trial. They walked a few more paces when suddenly, out of the corner of David's eye, was Ian Wainwright, coming back with more sewing material to tailor more clothes. He saw David and Bernie and stopped right in his tracks. David and Bernie stopped too, all their hearts jumping. Both the captain and tailor remembered what happened the day before and were now gearing up to give each other another jab.

"Rider!" Wainwright exclaimed. "I haven't forgotten your scathing words to me over the phone yesterday! And just what are you doing with that sneaking thief around me, and my shop, at that?!"

Suddenly on the fly, David decided to work the matter into Bernie's favor and spoke up.

"Oh, yes, Bernie. You were saying a different set of clothes for Lola tonight? Well, that is interesting, seeing how you don't seem to have anything else beyond what you're wearing now."

Bernie seemed a little confused by David's brief change of approach, but awkwardly went along.

"Uhh…yeah, that's right. And I thought it ain't good form to stay in these clothes all the time. Surely she'd want something more…fitting?"

"Ohh…talk to Mr. Wainwright," David gestured to the tailor. "Surely he'd have something in his chest of drawers, what with his most highly renowned laced waistcoats of paduasoy and taffeta?"

Wainwright remembered Bernie looking in on his shop the other day, and wanting absolutely nothing to do with the matter, he immediately tried talking Bernie away with rubbish of his own.

"Ohh! Heavens, Bernie! You wouldn't want my low-quality peasant work!" he bluffed. "They'd be so thin and stringy. Oh, I couldn't possibly…!"

"Ho-ho, Wainwright, don't be ridiculous," David smirked. "All you need is a little silk and velvet. Bernie, you go on back to the Sea Emperor, while I work out your apparel."

Bernie glanced to the shop and mumbled lowly to himself.

"Oh. Thin and stringy? Maybe that puff-head's suits wouldn't be so jolly…even if this really were a 'Magic Railroad'."

"WHAT-DID-YOU-SAY?" David shot back immediately.

Bernie's heart jumped when he noticed what he said again, and he immediately found a rhyme to hide it.

"Oh, I said uh…maybe this tailor's work could be a…a classic mail-load?"

"Good. Now get out," David glowered.

Bernie started walking away, then looked back. "Uhh…Wainwright's clothes and-?"

"OUT!"

And Bernie dashed off on his way. David shook his head, then turned back to the tailor.

"How predictable can your bluffing get, Wainwright?" he asked strongly. "Everyone knows how much you renown your works, and through it all, you can't deny that not everyone is attracted to your fashions, but you can't hold that against Bernie."

"That has nothing to do with it," Wainwright replied. "I will NOT have some nit-witted, waddling burglar as him wearing a single stitch of MY works! Once a thief, always a thief on his account! Most likely he's waiting to steal something from my shop, just as he spied upon yesterday! Would it be too much to ask you to keep him away from my most dearly valuable works? His probation demands it, of course!"

"Look, Ian. I'll pay for Bernie's clothes," said David. "A black suit, deep blue tie and a pair of shiny black shoes, I think. I'll pay more than they're worth since you want so little to do with my parolee anyway. Three hundred pounds worth, all in advance. I think you should take note that your moment has come."

"My m-moment?" Wainwright asked, slightly surprised.

"Weren't you saying just yesterday over the phone that you wanted your divine fashions promoted personally by me? Perhaps Bernie's outing with Lola could be a certain example of such work you sew for your clients."

Wainwright remembered his panicked phone call with David and suddenly turned a most sheepish red, unable to walk out of what he had said.

"Well. That's settled," David sniffed smugly as he drew his wallet and paid the three hundred pounds. "I'll leave you to work out Bernie's clothes, Ian. Your tailoring skills after all are legend."

Wainwright was still stuck in his position for another moment before he spoke again.

"…Very well. Yes. Until then, I'll just be in my shop getting…getting everything ready. Just do me the favor of keeping that tub out of my sight. Thank you."

And Wainwright turned and marched back to his shop. David narrowed his eyes to the last few words, but flashed a little grin himself as he turned and left. He looked to the pier and saw Bernie back onboard the Sea Emperor and nodded slowly, for he had granted Bernie's chance for quite a different reason than what Bernie or even Lola were thinking. David pondered his thoughts further, then just as he approached the crisscrossing lines, there came the sound of four engine whistles, one after the other.

"Davey! Hey, Davey!" came two distinct Scottish voices.

David looked and saw Donald and Douglas coming from one side of the line. Inside Douglas' cab, David saw Beatrice looking notably at him, when two more voices came from behind.

"David! What news on your duty?"

"David! Hi!"

David turned around and saw Thomas and Emily coming along side by side. All four engines' work had been done for the day, and given the spreading word of today, they simply had to hear what would soon be happening with Bernie this very evening.

"Donald and Douglas. Mum. Thomas and Emily," said David. "How have you all been keeping?"

"Busy and diligent today, David," said Thomas. "All our passengers ran to time. On my Branch Line and the Main Line alike."

"And of course, we've been thinking quite strongly," said Emily. "As to what could be happening today."

"Aye, Emily. That's right," said Donald. "There be some gossip going round the village and the Little Western. And it ain't sounding pretty."

"What doesn't sound pretty?" David asked, already sensing what the twins were going to bring up.

"Well, some be saying that old Bernie is dreaming of having a little date with some lassie named Lola," said Douglas.

"You've heard it too, have you, boys?" said Emily.

"They did, Emily," said Beatrice. "Donald and Douglas came by and brought me here to see David."

"Well, Thomas and I have been wondering if David would even allow it," said Emily. "Especially given what happened at Bluff's Cove yesterday."

"Well, to hear us talk, Douggie and I certainly wouldn't allow Bernie's outing!" huffed Donald. "More likely, he's trying to cheat Lola out and run off into the night to escape his probation!"

"You don't know that, Donald," David suddenly spoke up. "And whatever happens, we'll all find out for sure…since I have granted Bernie his chance to go."

Thomas and Emily gasped. Beatrice looked right at her son.

"Well, well! Surely, David, it wasnae ye? Ye didnae say!" Donald exclaimed.

Right on cue, David told them all about Bernie's considerably remarkable progress today, and Thomas and Emily had to admit they were impressed too.

"Well. It would seem that Bernie is starting to learn to work for what he wants," said Emily. "What do you think, Thomas?"
"It certainly sounds that way," said Thomas. "But in Bernie's ongoing case, I don't want to jinx anything."

"Letting him take the outing?! Impossible!" Douglas exclaimed to David. "Since when would you allow that thief on an outing like this? It just ain't natural!"

"I'm not really interested in your complaining about Bernie, Donald and Douglas," David answered dryly. "Besides. Neither Bernie nor Lola know anything about my secret tactic for their little outing."

All four engines looked curiously at David, and Beatrice raised her eyebrow.

"Tactic?" Emily asked. "What are you getting at, David?"

David gestured the engines and Beatrice to come in closer, then spoke more lowly.

"The tactic is this. I'm not giving Bernie a special treat by letting him go with Lola. On the contrary…I'm testing him. I'd like to see how he performs outside his labor work. Steve is their legal escort tonight, and he'll share everything as soon as they come back…whenever that may be."

"Hmm. I see. Smart solution, David," said Beatrice. "Perhaps this outing will be of more use than we thought."

But Donald and Douglas were not convinced this would go flawlessly.

"Ach, something is more than bound to happen!" said Donald. "For all we know, Bernie might start forgetting the laws he must follow!"

"One way or another, this outing is bound to throw a curve ball of some sort," said Douglas. "No different from all the curve balls Elbridge's Cricket team have to hit past!"

David looked at both twins, not sure what to say. Beatrice was still sure enough of her son's tactic, and she gave a wink to David as she got onboard Douglas and they took her back home. But David saw Thomas and Emily stayed put, both looking full of thought, and a little unsure themselves.

"What is it, Emily?" David asked. "Aren't you and Thomas set to return home?"

"We're not sure, David," said Emily. "For all we know, Donald and Douglas could be right. Something could go wrong. We don't know what, or even if, but…oh…"

"None of us can see inside Bernie," said Thomas. "And I'm almost afraid to ask…what if he's just trying to get out of Arlesburgh…so he can run off and escape?"

"Steve is going with them, Thomas," said David. "If Bernie does try anything, it won't work."

"And if he tried to steal from Lola? Maybe her purse, or any jewelry of hers?" Emily asked.

"Then she'd see for herself just who Bernie was…or maybe…just maybe still is," said David. "Then Bernie's chance would truly be thrown away, he would have to stand trial, and he'd be no better off than Baz in the end."

"Which is why, David…perhaps Emily and I should stick around tonight," said Thomas. "Maybe patrol through the village, just in case Bernie ran off. He'd be easy to stop."

"I think you're right, Thomas," said Emily. "I am Sodor's Safety Engine after all, and even with matters beyond engines and signals, I consider it duty to ensure safety here too. Wouldn't you agree, David?"

David had everything in place in his own way, but seeing as how Bernie wasn't the most predictable person even with all his absent-minded simplicity, he agreed.

"Very well, you two," he said. "Once Lola takes Bernie on his way, you two can make your rounds through the village. If anything at all arises wrongly with Bernie, report to me at once."

"We will, David," Thomas promised. "And of course, you can always count on your best friend."

Emily had to giggle. "He-he-he! He can indeed, Thomas."

So Thomas and Emily stayed in Arlesburgh. They soon found the shed they slept in when they worked with Donald and Douglas several years go, and waited for Lola to arrive, while David waited for Bernie's clothes to be ready…

---

Eventually, just around 5:45, David was standing at the pier, when he heard footsteps. When he turned around, he saw Ian Wainwright carrying the very bundle of clothes for Bernie's outing. The black suit, blue tie and black shoes as ordered by David.

"Here it be, Captain Rider," said Wainwright. "Your quaint guest's clothes, as requested and paid for. Truly the best fashion in Arlesburgh. Probably the best on the Island of Sodor."

David said nothing as he took the bundle of clothes, then headed for the Sea Emperor. Ever since David sent him back to wait, Bernie had been sitting on the ship's deck, thinking endlessly about Lola and what this outing would be. Fresh food off the table, away from tight supervision and even just a little time to truly breathe a sense of a healthy normal life, at least so he hoped. Now the time was closer than ever, and he couldn't wait to take it all in. At that moment, he looked up and saw David back on deck. With a rush of excitement, Bernie blurted it out…and slipped the tongue in doing so.

"Oh! Captain! Lola ought to be here soon. Have you got the stolen clothes? Ooh! You do! Lovely!"

But even as he spoke, David strode right up to him and grabbed his shoulder, not letting anything get past him.

"Never…speak…of a captain stealing!" he snapped. "Those are the words of a simpleton! And less than an hour before your outing is set to start! I'll have you know I paid for this lot, right out of my own pocket."

"Ohh…right. Sorry, then," said Bernie.

"And yes, Lola will be here soon," said David. "As such, Bernie, I suggest you go below decks and transform your wardrobe. Maybe that will keep you from spilling anymore rubbish about stealing."

"Right. Thanks, sir. Th…thanks."

Bernie then took the bundle of clothes below decks, while David waited. Then five minutes later, Bernie came back up, and David could now see just how Bernie looked.

"Well? How's this, Captain?" Bernie asked.

David took a close look, and compared to his standard appearance, Bernie did look much smarter now, and he even flashed a smile to pose. To David, it was a rather fake, unimpressive smile, but the outfit suited Bernie fairly enough.

"It's no Etonian from London, but it will have to do," said David. "Now, we must check in with the Constable, as per your terms."

And so they did. David brought Bernie right to the Constable's office. When he saw the two men, the first thing he noticed was Bernie's new look.

"Evening, Constable. Daily check-in," said David.

"Captain Rider…why is Bernie dressed up?" the Constable asked. Then he suddenly remembered. "…Is he going somewhere?"

"Hmm…In fact, sir, he is," said David. And he told the Constable about Lola and her plans for tonight. "…Which is why Bernie has had a change of wardrobe. I've assigned Steve to be their escort for this occasion, and I have Thomas and Emily on standby in case anything does happen."

The Constable had heard everything and looked carefully at Bernie, who was still trying to make the impression with his not too impressive smile.

"Very well, Captain," the Constable said at last as he turned to Bernie. "But there must NOT be any monkeyshines. I want this to be a perfectly clean outing. From Lola, and from you."

Bernie didn't really like the serious tone he was hearing when he was just about to have his outing, but he complied just the same.

"Yes, sir. Alright, sir. I just thought Lola would like to see me looking really useful when she arrives."

"Which should be any minute," David added as he nodded to the Constable and walked Bernie out.

Outside, David and Bernie looked up and saw Thomas and Emily waiting for them, and looking most curiously at Bernie's new look. Bernie recognized both engines from his first day of probation and decided to showcase his new looks again.

"Oh! Hello there again, little blue!" Bernie spoke out. "Look at me, Thomas and…E…Em…ily…?"

"Yes, Bernie. It's Emily," she answered. "And…don't you look…dashing?"

"Y…yes, of course," Thomas awkwardly went along with Emily. "Mr. Wainwright's work, I trust?"

"Yes, Thomas. I thought Bernie should be better dressed for his little…treat."

Then David looked ahead and waved. Bernie turned around thinking it was Lola. Instead, it was Steve coming along.

"Are you all set, Steve?" David asked.

"Yes, sir," said Steve. "I see it's almost 6:30. Lola should be here any moment now."

"Ohh, I can't wait. I just can't wait!" Bernie chimed. "Such lovely food and drink, far beyond any ration of any sort…jolly good eating…"

Just then, it was in that moment that a car horn honked twice through the air. Thomas, Emily and David looked up, and there came a bright blue car with fine curves along its side, and driving the car closer was Lola. Bernie saw her face and was now bubbling with great excitement. His chance had finally come, and he suddenly hid behind Thomas.

"What the…Bernie?" Thomas said lowly. "What are you…?"

"Shh! Shh!" Bernie whispered with a huge smile.

David eyed Bernie for a moment, then saw Lola stop near the two engines. They could all see she was decked up a little herself. A lovely golden necklace with two small diamonds in the middle, a periwinkle bowknot satin hat, and a humble blue dress. Thomas and Emily were intrigued by her outfit and her car, but still wondered about Bernie.

"There she is, Thomas and Emily," David said as he approached the car. "Lola. All set, are you?"

"Yes, David. Everything's ready," Lola replied, then called. "Bernie! I'm here! Are you ready?"

"Hmm…he'll be here very shortly, Lola," said David. "You're looking quite chipper for your little outing. Now remember. Given the terms of Bernie's probation, Steve will be coming along himself, as per Bernie's legal escort. He won't have to join your table, but he'll be keeping watch just the same."

Lola saw Steve give a nod, and she nodded back. "I understand, Captain."

And at that moment, Donald and Douglas came along too.

"Skipping Scots! Douggie! Look at that!" Donald exclaimed. "There's a bonnie car right there!"

"Aye, Douggie. It is," said Douglas. "And who might you be, lassie?"

"I'm Lola, Donald and Douglas," she replied. "And I'm here to take Bernie to the Seaside Bistro. Where is he, anyway? I must take him at once."

Right away, Bernie jumped out from behind Thomas.

"Look at me! Never mind Hetty or Geraldine! What about ME? What do you think, then, Lola? Fancy dress, indeed, wouldn't you say? Will it work?"

Everyone looked, and there was Bernie in his black suit, blue tie and black shoes. Lola came out of her car to look closer, and she was surprised and flattered, all-too keen to get going now. Thomas and Emily looked and couldn't help but smile for Bernie's opportunity.

"Wow…Bernie!" Lola exclaimed cheerfully. "I know this is supposed to be a fair treat for you, but I didn't know it was fancy dress."

"Why…th…thank you, madam," Bernie replied.

To all of this, Donald and Douglas were speechless, but not quite in the right way. Now that the moment had arrived, they still felt most uncertain as to what this would probably entail, and in the midst of their shaky opinion about Bernie, the two Scottish Twins fell into protest and argument yet again.

"Oh, dear…no! Cap'n Rider! You cannae do this!" Donald protested.

"Absolutely Nae! Cannae let him go! Something could happen!" Douglas added as the quarrel started.

"That's what I said! So did I! No, nae true! I said it first!"

"Boys, please!" David barked to both the twins. "After all, we did make a bargain. Didn't we, Bernie?"

Bernie nodded and smiled innocently.

"And I rarely go back on my word," David noted as he walked closer. "Hmm. How very clever, that outfit is. And the restaurant itself is not too far away, and would allow fair time to return before 8:00 p.m. Don't you think so, Lola?"

"But of course," she nodded. "I can get us back here before 8:00, no problem."

"But-but-but-but…" Donald and Douglas struggled, then argued even further.

"This could nae be any plan of David's! Yes, it was! It wasnae! It was! It wasnae! It WAS! It wasnae! IT WAS!"

"BOYS! Boys. That's quite enough," David intervened as he opened Lola's car door and gestured to the two dates. "Away along now, both of you. I won't have you upsetting yourselves."

Lola gave a nod of thanks to David while she got in, and Bernie sat next to her while Steve ran to start up his car and follow them. Donald and Douglas could see their words wouldn't change anything now, and went uneasily back to their shed. Once Bernie was in his seat and shut the car door, he looked once more to David, just to be sure he was clear to go.

"Back for 8:00," David reminded lightly.

Then the car started, and Bernie and Lola were off. Thomas, Emily and David all watched as Lola's car set off down the road, slowly at first.

"I do hope he doesn't try anything foolish," Thomas spoke. "Despite Donald and Douglas' arguing…we really don't know do we?"

"Perhaps we don't, Thomas," said Emily.

Right at that moment, Ian Wainwright came up behind David and the two engines, and as the car disappeared round the bend, Wainwright loudly split the air.

"Hey, butter-face! Don't go having big splashes in all the wine! And don't stuff yourself so that your poor lady can't pay for all your cheese bread crumbs!"

Thomas and Emily's hearts flipped and they both frowned to the tailor.

"Why do you do that?" Thomas asked sharply.

"What?" Wainwright asked.

"Call him names. Run him down all the time."

"Because that's what he is, Thomas," Wainwright replied. "There's little else left in him but childlike new-fangled nonsense. It's wealth and thievery he cares about. Nothing else."

"You've no idea what Baz did to him, Mr. Wainwright," said Emily. "What his influence is still doing to him. Don't you see David wants to help him?"

"Your best friend, helping a spawn such as HIM?" Wainwright sniffed. "Hah! That lunatic would not last a minute in the Navy ranks you served in yourself, Captain Rider! Not even one second!"

"Well, he's not in the Navy, is he?" David retorted. "And never will be. This is his sanctuary and little world where he is to continue learning."

"But Rider. Is it really necessary?" said Wainwright. "I don't consider it a timely investment to allow that scurrying thief to run loose again, exposing Sodor to more thievery. Lola is surely up for grabs when he thinks to snatch her purse. That simpleton is no more fit to be wandering loosely amongst us Sudrians than you are to be wasting your time providing for him."

In that moment, after hearing quite a deal of Wainwright's stuffed up position since the start, David turned red and lost patience.

"What do YOU know about it?! NOTHING!" he shouted. "I KNOW what I have to DO, Wainwright! My duty was entrusted to ME by her Royal Majesty's Navy! It is MY duty! MINE! MY OWN!"

Then David whipped around and marched away. Thomas, Emily and even Wainwright were considerably shocked.

"Can't you hear yourself?!" Wainwright exclaimed. "Don't you know who you sound like?!"

David didn't answer as he angrily returned to the Sea Emperor's cabin for some quiet, until Bernie would return with Lola…or maybe some other event that would possibly transpire tonight. Wainwright looked to Thomas and Emily, who were now looking very unimpressed.

"Well, you certainly did lots to help," Emily stated sarcastically. "Come on, Thomas. We'd best start our rounds, just in case."

"Yes. It'll be really useful," said Thomas. "Much, much more useful than a bundle of new-fangled tailor's apparel."

And Thomas and Emily set off down the line together, while Wainwright went home himself, not too happy about what had just happened.

---

Meanwhile, Lola was still driving along the road, while Bernie was thoroughly enjoying the view as he rode with her. Steve drove right behind them. Neither Bernie nor Lola heard Wainwright's most uncouth gloating, and after his transport on Bulgy when this all began, Bernie thought this accommodation to be much more fitting.

"Well, I say, Lola…you've quite a comfy car," he said with honesty.

"Oh, Bernie, that's not even the smallest thing to be impressed with," Lola smiled back. "This is going to be absolutely splendid! We'll have a most impressive supper, we'll tell each other a few tales, and have a lovely view out the window, just like many other dinners I've had have with friends and family, some of which even in London. Why, anyone who's anyone in English society always looked forward to a dinner with me and my family if I do say so myself."

"Really? Well…I…I just can't wait for such succulent food this place may have for me," Bernie replied pleasantly.

"Well, whatever you choose is your will, Bernie," Lola nodded. "Even just for one evening, I do believe you deserve it."

Soon, Bernie, Lola and Steve arrived at the restaurant. Bernie looked up and was immediately intrigued. The Seaside Bistro was a fairly sized wooden building with a sailboat plaque hanging over the entrance and a sailor wearing a chef's hat beside the boat. Lola and Steve parked their cars next to each other, then made their way to the front door. Once they were inside, Bernie looked up and suddenly froze where he was. He couldn't recall being in a place such as this before. There were rustic brown wooden walls, crimson curtains on the windows, and high-class tables very which way with white table cloths and brass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. In the next moment, a waitress came along and escorted Lola and Bernie to a table, while Steve followed closely.

"You two go about your supper," he said to Lola. "And remember. I'll be keeping watch."

But while Bernie and Lola made their way to their table, Bernie saw that everyone was starting to turn their heads and look at him. Bernie tried not to feel uneasy and kept by Lola's side until they were seated, while Steve sat another nearby table. Having never been in a restaurant like this, Bernie suddenly spoke up.

"Well, I be feeling rather peckish, Lola. Let's you and I eat…but…where is everything?"

Lola still had a secret like for Bernie's naivety and made her answer.

"Our waiter will be appearing in a moment to take our order."

"Oh. I see," said Bernie. "Well. I do hope they have something most delectable, rather than simple rations of bread, ham, cheese and what have you."

A minute later, a waiter came by and gave both patrons a menu. Bernie opened his and started speaking the dishes out loud.

"Let's see…uhh…Seared Kipper Special...Oyster on the Half-Shell…Boiled Prime Crab Arms…oh! I like the look of this one."

Lola saw a few people staring to Bernie and tried not to pay attention to it.

"Which one, Bernie?" she asked.

"Uhh…what would you say if I chose…the Double Lobster Tail Entrée?" Bernie asked.

"Ohh, that one," Lola perked up. "I've had that before, and I truly love it. I'll be having the Seared Kipper Special. You going for the lobster tails?"

"Yeah! I will!" said Bernie.

The waiter soon returned and took their orders. Then the waiting began. Five minutes passed. Then ten. Then fifteen. As the time passed, Lola told Bernie a few little stories, mostly of her humble family and how her favourite pastime was going to restaurants and having picnics, and how she still did it today. After she had her share of telling stories, Bernie started telling tales of his own, doing so a little loudly, which made a few people start staring at him again…but despite his overflowing enthusiasm, Bernie didn't say anything about his role with Baz or anything about the World of Tomorrow…except for his little campfire with Baz roasting marshmallows, leaving out anything suspicious.

"…It's so strange. No one else thinks of campfires by the line," said Bernie. "It's just unheard of. Ha-ha-ha-hah! And get this! Then I said to Baz, 'Then we get on Sonny, and bish-bash! Off we go'! Ha-ha-ha!"

Lola didn't know what to make of this, and forced a laugh along with Bernie. Then at that moment, their dinner arrived. Lola's Seared Kipper Special, and Bernie's Double Lobster Tail Entrée. Within minutes, both were dining away. As soon as Bernie took the first bite of lobster, he tasted the most distinct flavor and suddenly felt a spell of ecstasy wave through him. He had never tasted anything like this in his life. Never.

"Oh…oh, my God! That is most fantastic!" Bernie exclaimed with his mouth full. "Truly stupendous!"

Lola noticed this and didn't know what to say as she ate much more politely for restaurant standards. As the time passed, she gave a few more little glances to Bernie, then slowly but surely took note of his most limited table manners. Being so enthused in a different atmosphere, Bernie wasn't self-conscious at all to exactly how he was eating. He didn't pick up his utensils once, and every bit of food he took in was accompanied by various smacking, licking, chewing and satisfied noises. Slowly but surely, more and more patrons began turning their heads toward Bernie and staring at him, unable to focus on their own meals. Steve wasn't too pleased by Bernie's manners either and had been writing notes down the whole time to keep on record. Lola wasn't sure what to say, and didn't want to look awkward herself as Bernie continued in the manner that he did. At that moment, a few more people came in, waiting to be seated.

"A table for two?" said the waiter.

"Yes, and we'd like…Wait…" the woman stopped and looked ahead. "Is that who I think it is?"

Her husband looked ahead too and saw Bernie right there, eating noisily and impolitely for everyone to see. Like many on Sodor, this couple knew just who this was.

"Come along, dear," said the man. "We can't risk being robbed like Ruth was at the World of Tomorrow. We'll find somewhere else to dine."

"Wait. Hold on…oh…" the waiter tried as the couple, and everyone else in line walked out of the restaurant.

Eventually, back at their table, Lola and Bernie's plates were finished, and Lola watched awkwardly as Bernie just finished licking his fingers of any last crumbs of food, then smacked his lips. This wasn't exactly what she was expecting from him, but all the same, she didn't want him to feel bad, so she said nothing.

"Yummy! Well, a jolly fun evening, this has been," said Bernie. "Now…do tell me, Lola…is there any more to this outing…besides treating me, of course?"

"Why, Bernie, I didn't think you'd be wondering much beyond this evening," she replied. "But, well…I've been captivated by your high spirits and your jolly disposition. I don't recall knowing or seeing anyone else like you."

"Really? Well…I see," said Bernie. "Well…thank you for this outing. It's indeed the best I've ever eaten."

At that moment, Lola checked her watch. It read 7:20 p.m.

"Oh, goodness!" she spoke up. "Look at the time, we'd best get you home to Arlesburgh! Waiter!"

The waiter came over at once. "Yes, Lola?"

"I'll need the cheque. We'd best be getting home," she said with a small wink to Bernie.

"Yes, ma'am. Right away," said the waiter.

As soon as Lola had the cheque and made the payment, she looked to Bernie again.

"Well…perhaps we should be heading back."

"Yeah. I guess," said Bernie. "Wouldn't want to upset the captain by running late. No. Absolutely not…"

So Bernie and Lola got up from their table and started walking out. Steve followed them outside to their cars and soon, they were both driving back down the road to return to Arlesburgh, ready to call it a night. Bernie was still basking in the pleasure of such luxuries he had never experienced before, and despite his limited table decorum, Lola was happy to see him happy just the same. But neither of them had any idea of what lay waiting for them this very evening…

---

Meanwhile, back in Arlesburgh, Thomas and Emily had been circling slowly but steadily through the village, looking for any signs that Bernie had run off and could possibly be sneaking around.

"Still no sign of him, Emily," said Thomas. "Perhaps he didn't run off after all."

"Maybe, Thomas," said Emily. "But all the same, we should keep watching until Bernie and Lola come back…at least, I hope they do."

While Thomas and Emily kept checking through the village, David and Copper were in the Sea Emperor's cabin together. David was at the main table occupying himself with his books. A portrait of Lawrence was displayed on the table as well, and David would glance at it now and again, but recently he had been checking his pocket watch numerous times, and wondering where Bernie could be. By now, it was getting closer and closer to 8:00 p.m. and David couldn't help but feel uneasy and even a bit impatient as he kept waiting, especially with Wainwright's most nasty words towards Bernie still fresh in his head.

"Where are they? Where are they?" David asked aloud to himself. "He's supposed to be back in time for 8:00 if he expects his probation to be fulfilled. Otherwise, it's back to the court in front of the beak for him! And of course that skunk-headed tailor keeps bragging, lying, ranting and raving on about his fashions and always jabbing Bernie down!"

Copper held David's shoulder and tried to ease the mood.

"Don't you go worrying your head off about that, Captain. That Bernie is sure to turn up soon enough if he wants to steer clear of the courts. In the meantime, might I suggest…ahem…enjoying the fruits of your labor?"

David looked and felt his heart twitch with annoyance as Copper was holding out, what else? An apple. Noticing the most blatant pun, David snatched the apple and threw it against the wall.

"That BASTARD Wainwright's been at his bloody jabs ever since I moved here!" he yelled. "I want him to SHUT UP! NOW! NOT later!"

Copper jumped to David's sudden spat, who then sat back down and sighed rigidly. David then glanced to Lawrence's portrait with a strong thump in his heart.

"If only father were here. He would have a word to the wise about Bernie."

"Aye. That he would," Copper nodded. "But you're the helm of this town, Captain. Who gave Donald and Douglas a piece of his mind for their snowy stunt on Emily? Who triumphed over and defeated Diesel 10 for the final time? Who drove off that God-Forsaken Steamroller for the last time? Who ensnared that worm Baz to his steely fate for the next thirty years? WHO'S the King of Arlesburgh?"

David looked down, knowing all-too well what would come next as Copper held his shoulder again.

"Captain and Commander David Rider. That's who."

David couldn't help but curl his lip upward as Copper turned to leave.

"Copper?"

He looked back and saw David pondering curiously.

"As my first mate, do you think father would have guided Bernie well…like I guide Emily now and again?"

Copper didn't know exactly what to say, having barely known Lawrence himself, but managed to smile and encourage his captain.

"Lawrence Rider started with Emily, so David Rider can be her best friend and mentor, as well as a diligent, sturdy and dedicated captain and commander. As you say, your duty is clear."

A satisfied grin creased over David's lip as he went back to his books, and Copper took his leave and went back on deck.

By this time, Bernie and Lola were just a few minutes away from Arlesburgh, still feeling fairly happy with how it all turned out, while Steve followed behind. But just as Arlesburgh came into site, right along the stretch of road Bernie and Lola were driving, there was an alleyway not far ahead. And in that alleyway, there were three big, burly men hanging together. Tough men with clubs and small lines of chain who were out for money and snatching whatever they could if any innocent bystanders stepped in their way. They heard the sound of a car in the distance and when they peeked out, they smelled a nasty chance.

"Hey. There's a fine-looking lady driving there," said one of the men. "And that short little man."

"He seems a simple sort," said the second man. "We'll have some fun. Besides…I smell money right in that lady's pockets."

"You hear that, boys?" the third man smiled. "Draw your fists. It's on!"

Bernie and Lola were getting nearer and nearer to the alleyway by the road, and talking too.

"By the way, Bernie," said Lola. "If your good streak can keep up, I wouldn't mind us getting together again sometime. Of course, if Captain Rider agrees."

"Really? That'd be quite jolly," said Bernie. "You mean to say…you are inviting me, right?"

"Of course," Lola smiled as she held Bernie's hand.

But suddenly, she looked up and slammed on her car brakes. Bernie jolted a little in his seat, then looked outside. The three men had stepped out from the alleyway and were now blocking Lola's car.

"Hey! Both of you! Step out! NOW!" the leading man shouted.

Bernie and Lola looked worriedly to each other and slowly exited the car. Steve got out as well, already smelling very nasty trouble.

"W…what do you all want?" Bernie asked the men.

"Alright, piggy," said the biggest man. "That lady's wallet, purse, jewels…and that lovely necklace. Cough them up to us, and no one gets hurt!"

Lola gasped and held her purse tightly as the three men began striding closer. Their fists were pumped and they mad ready to snatch Lola's purse away, when suddenly, Bernie stepped in front to shield her, a new instinct having awoken within him. An urge to protect his friend.

"Oh, no you don't! Lola here just had me out to dinner! And I'm aiming to be really useful! I'm not stealing anything from her for you big fools!"

"Well, well. This little walrus thinks he's big and strong," said one of the men. "Take him down, boys!"

Then it started. The other men pushed at Bernie, who suddenly lunged forward and pushed the men back. After a few seconds, the men managed to shove Bernie aside, and the leading man suddenly seized Lola and tugged her necklace off. Lola screamed with fright, when Bernie suddenly snatched the necklace from the man's hand.

"Don't you DARE steal from her!" Bernie yelled. "Stealing is NOT really useful of you to do!"

"GET OFF ME!" the leading man roared as he whacked Bernie's chest with his club. "NOBODY pushes me, you filthy maggot!"

Bernie got right back on his feet and pushed the leading man back, but it only got worse. The three men started ganging up on Bernie and the ruckus escalated. Punches and kicks ensued between Bernie and the three men, prompting Steve to dash off and find help. In just moments, the commotion started gaining attention from the surrounding houses.

Not too far off from this very pandemonium, Thomas and Emily were patrolling together, looking out for Bernie, when their ears suddenly gathered the distant shouts and blows, and Steve came rushing up.

"Thomas! Emily! Emergency!" he shouted. "Bernie, fighting in the alleyway!"

"Oh, my gosh! Thomas! Thomas, listen!" Emily said urgently as the ruckus grew louder. "Do you hear that?"

"I sure do. It's happened. Hurry, Emily!" Thomas replied just as urgently.

The two engines then rushed down the line, following the noise. As they did so, lights started coming on and silhouettes started watching through the lit windows. And just a few houses away from the alley were the homes of Hetty and Geraldine, who came rushing to their windows too.

"What's going on down there?!" Hetty exclaimed as she looked out her window. "Merciful Heavens! Geraldine! Look! It's Bernie!"

Geraldine looked down and gasped with shock.

"Oh, Betsy's Biscuits, Hetty! It IS Bernie! No doubt, he's fighting those jocks so he can steal Lola's purse for himself! I might have known!"

Not a moment afterwards, Hetty dashed back inside and ran for the telephone.

"Help, help! Police! Help, help! Police! Help! Help, police, help! Help, police, help!"

Bernie could hear Hetty's screams and his heart began slamming hard at the prospect of being arrested again, but in the given moments he didn't care. Saving Lola came first as he kept fighting the men off as best he could.

"Bernie! BERNIE!"

Bernie knew that was Thomas' voice yelling in the distance. He and Emily ground to a halt and could see the chaos for themselves. Thomas was much alarmed by what he was seeing. Then Emily whistled strongly and gave the order as the Safety Engine she was.

"Keep an eye on the scene, Thomas! I'll get help!" she cried.

And Emily rushed down the line to raise the alarm. Thomas kept well back, but still watched closely as the fighting and scuffling continued.

---

Inside his office, the Arlesburgh Constable was just leaving for the night when his phone started ringing. After just a few seconds of Hetty's panicked words through the receiver, the Constable hung up dashed out of his office just in time to see Emily rush on by.

"Constable! Chaos just outside Arlesburgh!" she exclaimed. "It's Bernie fighting three big, burly men!"

"Get me Captain Rider!" the Constable ordered as he got onboard Emily and she dashed off again.

David was still in the Sea Emperor's cabin, staring his pocket watch down to the second now, when he heard a high whistle from outside and looked up at once.

"That's not an engine whistle," he said with alert as he came out of the cabin. "Emily! Constable! What's going on?"

"Thieves, Captain Rider! Thieves!" the Constable called strongly from Emily's cab. "Bernie is fighting in the alleys! Look, look, look!"

David's heart paused for one second. Then he ran into the cabin again, came back with his telescope, got off the ship, came beside Emily and started scanning the perimeter. After weaving left and right for a moment, his view stopped just on the edge of the town, where he caught sight of just what was going on. There was Bernie caught in a band of fisticuffs with three rather big, strong men. It was then in the moments that followed, that David's heart started pounding strongly with a certain sense of realization, or so he thought. It seemed to him that Bernie's agreements and concessions to his probation at the very beginning were nothing more than a ruse all this time. He couldn't last even a week without staying out of trouble.

Emily watched and almost felt frightened as she saw David widen his eyes, then as they began to glitter and shimmer with a fierce drive forward, David took a very deep breath…then suddenly gave a scream of military command for Resourceful Interception of Fierce Lawbreakers Elite.

"BATTLE STATIONS!"

In less than another moment, Copper, Jordan, Cecco and Adam all came scrambling into view, wearing their shoulder badges which donned the letter R for R.I.F.L.E. They looked to their captain, who then gave the gesture and bolted off into the distance, followed by his crewmen as they charged up toward the edge of the village and the scene of the fight. Emily and the Constable followed and overtook David, but soon, they all arrived at the scene.

"David! David! Look!" Thomas cried.

Bernie was being pushed, shoved and jostled by the three big men. David watched for a moment as Lola was clutching her purse and necklace with great fright with eyes large as dinner plates, while Bernie was becoming overpowered by the three men gaining their upper hand. Bernie saw just who had arrived and began flailing his arms as best he could while the three men kept punching and shoving him around.

"Captain! David!" Bernie yelled desperately. "DAVID! …All of you, get off! GET OFF! …David! …DAVID!"

David surveyed the scene, then made his move. While he was very sure Bernie had some dirty work in this situation, he had to protect him nonetheless. Sometimes a soldier has to do what a soldier has to do. David drew his naval cutlass, then charged straight for the three rough men.

"GET OFF HIM!" David roared.

The men took no notice and continued to push and jostle amongst Bernie.

"HEY! CODFISH!" David roared to the biggest man of the three.

The big man turned at once and swung to hit David, who clashed the club with his sword. Thomas and Emily watched with bulging eyes, and after only a few seconds of fighting, David's impeccable swordsmanship triumphed as he swung just the right way and flailed the club out of the man's hand, then David drew his fisted arm back, and struck the man over the head, knocking him down at once. Copper, Jordan and Cecco joined in the fight, and within seconds, they overpowered the other two men, knocking them to the ground, and being the R.I.F.L.E. agents that they were, they bound the three rough men in handcuffs. Then David turned right to Bernie, who was now quaking vigorously in his shoes. What would happen to him now? He had saved Lola, but what would David say to all of this?

"I think I know what we'll be doing with YOU," David glared strongly. "As Thomas once said…I think YOU are in a lot of trouble."

Before long, Phelps, Gallagher arrived in a large police van, and the Fat Controller arrived as well, and none of them looked happy.

"What is the meaning of this scandalous outrage?!" the Fat Controller demanded. "Who started all this?!"

Phelps and Gallagher looked at the three big men…then to Bernie and Lola. Bernie's feet were quaking even stronger, and Lola seemed frozen where she was. Then David looked right at his parolee again.

"Wait a minute…Bernie!" he shouted. "You STOLE something, didn't you?!"

"No! No, sir! No! Y-you told me not to," Bernie tried to defend. "Why would I?"

"Hanging around with these tough figures and fighting with them, indeed!" David barked. "Double-crossing Lola for her purse, just as Donald and Douglas feared! I should have known you couldn't stay clean for even half a week! Now put your hands behind your back, and tell it to the judge!"

"Finally! Now, we'll get some peace at last!" Hetty gloated loudly.

"Oh, yes, Hetty. Yes, we will," Geraldine added.

Phelps and Gallagher approached Bernie, but before anything else could happen, Lola stepped right between David and Bernie.

"Captain Rider, no! Let him go! He didn't do anything!" she intervened. "It was those brutes! Bernie was protecting me! Truly!"

David stopped where he was and looked at Lola. Thomas and Emily seemed most surprised.

"He wasn't with them?" David asked, considerably surprised.

"That's right, Captain!" Bernie insisted. "Them brutes wanted her purse and necklace, and I saved them both for her."

"Is that right? But wait! How do I know you weren't just taking them for yourself?" David asked strongly. "You were Baz's handy man after all. I can only assume-"

Bernie suddenly stepped strongly forward towards David, feeling a little unappreciated for saving Lola. This took David by surprise, and Thomas, Emily and the Fat Controller all suddenly felt uncomfortable.

"Don't you see with your own eyes?" Bernie replied a little defiantly. "Lola there is holding her purse and necklace right now. Not me. I had absolutely no part in stealing from my very own date!"

Everyone watched David. He wanted to believe Bernie, but given the sudden defiant posture Bernie displayed, all the given circumstances, and as this was the second big incident since the big splash at Bluff's Cove, something in David wanted to be suspicious and stop Bernie before it was too late later…as he ever-so slightly motioned his sword toward the simple-minded man.

"My sword…thinks you have…Bernie," he said softly, and ominously.

"Captain David Rider! Be such a gentleman as to lower your sword!" Lola spoke up strongly, making David raise his eyebrow.

"Young lady. Is that how you address a navy captain and the Commander of R.I.F.L.E.?" he asked, unimpressed.

"Captain Rider, I can serve as witness to this incident," said Lola. "Bernie didn't attack anyone or steal anything. What actions he performed were strictly defensive, for my sake. In that regard, do you really intend to arrest my rescuer?"

Bernie noticed how Lola was standing up for him, and he suddenly felt a new wave of strength as he piped up with her.

"Yeah. I saved her, and her belongings. Just as you saved me from them thugs, Captain Rider. Perhaps you ought to judge the situation now for what it is…or am I to be blamed for a crime I didn't commit?"

David noticed Bernie's slightly emboldened position and suddenly felt even more undecided as he began to pace and murmur to himself. The Fat Controller narrowed his eyes to Bernie, feeling most suspicious himself, but Thomas and Emily had to admit that they agreed with Bernie's side of the argument.

"David, you owe Bernie a genuine record of being really useful," Emily said strongly. "He protected Lola."

"Otherwise, those men would have stolen her possessions!" Thomas added.

"That is true, Captain," Copper added. "Miraculous as it may seem, it would appear that Miss Lola here is in Bernie's debt, and surely the Admiral himself would encourage you that all debts be justly paid…although for Baz's posse, and a former thief at that, you might want to make an exception. Your word is law, after all."

David stopped pacing and pondered curiously and cleverly, then spoke his point yet again to Bernie.

"My duty is clear. If saving your fellow lady was your true intent…I reserve judgement, for now. As go the terms of your probation, we'll see who you really are…and we'll surely be keeping a much closer watch on you after tonight's events."

He then gestured to Phelps and Gallagher, who moved away from Bernie and shoved the three rough men into the back of the police van. Lola then started looking Bernie over after his fight.

"I'm so sorry, Bernie," she said gently. "I hope those three thugs didn't bruise you too badly."

"Oh, uhh…no problem," said Bernie. "So long as you weren't hurt, darling."

Then he suddenly spread his arms and hugged Lola, who couldn't help but blush as she returned the hug. Thomas and Emily's hearts suddenly jumped as they glanced to each other, then back to Bernie. David saw this himself and was immediately perplexed and almost dumbfounded.

"Darling?" he stated aloud, to no one in particular.

Soon, Bernie let go of Lola and held her hand once more before he walked to David again.

"Well, you're safe, Lola, and I'm glad," said Bernie. "Now, I must get indoors myself…what with my curfew and all. And Captain Rider…you know…for a moment, I…I thought you'd let them get me."

"For a moment, so did I, actually," David replied neutrally.

"Well. Some game," said Bernie.

"Hmph. Riffraff," Copper sniffed quietly to himself.

Everyone then looked at Bernie again, not sure what to say or think, when suddenly, there came two other urgent voices in the distance.

"Lola! Lola, dear! Lola!"

Lola recognized just who those voices belonged to.

"Lola?" David asked.

"Uhh…that will be my parents," said Lola. "Don't worry. I'll tell them my part, you do your part with Bernie, David."

"Too right, I will," David replied. "Take care now, Lola. Come, Bernie."

And David ushered Bernie into Emily's cab before he climbed in himself. Emily looked back curiously.

"O…kay…" she said slowly.

Phelps and Gallagher set off themselves, while the Fat Controller drove alongside Thomas and Emily toward the pier. Hetty and Geraldine then looked to the Sea Emperor's crew as they made their way home too.

"Damn it," Hetty said to Geraldine. "Dan and Shay were close."

"Not close enough, I think," said Geraldine. "Maybe next time."

"Lola!" came her parents' voices again.

Lola paid no attention to Hetty or Geraldine as she put her necklace back on and watched Bernie look back from Emily's cab and wave to her. Then Thomas and Emily huffed out of site as the parents' voices came closer.

"Lola! Where are you?!" came her father's voice as he ran over and threw his arms around her. "Oh! Lola! Darling! Thank goodness!"

"Good Heavens, what happened here?" her mother exclaimed as she surveyed the scene of the alley.

"Oh, Lola! Are you alright, my dear?" her father asked.

"Oh, goodness! Daddy!" Lola spoke up. "Bernie and I went out to the Seaside Bistro, as I told you earlier today. Had a divine meal with Bernie. Well, that is, divine enough for my part. But then, we were driving right through here, and there was a bind of three wicked, HUGE men! All ganged up with hard fists and wood clubs! They were after my purse! They surrounded us both, and Daddy, they tried to take my necklace!"

"Your neckla- That's the one I bought you!" her father exclaimed.

"But then I was saved," Lola added, slightly mystified. "Bernie suddenly stepped right in and held his ground for me. Those three men were really gaining up on him, but he stepped in for me all the same, at least until David and his men showed up and stopped those brutes themselves."

"Bernie stepped in to protect you?" her mother inquired. "Well…we may not know much about him…but that is most valiant of him just the same."

"Yes…yes it is," Lola said gently as she returned to her car with her parents and made their way home.

---

Before long, Thomas, Emily and the Fat Controller returned to the pier with David and Bernie in Emily's cab. The Constable was there waiting for them, as was Beatrice. She had heard some of the racket outside the town, and she was quite urgent to hear everything as well. For a few minutes, David, the Fat Controller and the Constable all discussed what had happened, while Bernie waited with a jumping heart. After Bernie's little incident at Bluff's Cove the day before, and now this, the Constable and the Fat Controller took most serious note to the fact that Bernie had gotten in a fight with those three men. But with Lola's part as witness that Bernie was protecting her, the Constable made sure to include that in his report as well.

"This is a most complicated situation, I must say, Bernie," said the Constable. "Protecting Lola is most honourable indeed, but to end up in a fight with men such as those…this case is most certainly not solved yet."

"Indeed, it isn't, sir," said David. "And now that I see the time…Bernie certainly got back in impeccable time. A very close cut, but he made it."

The Fat Controller checked his watch and saw what David meant.

"I see. 7:52 on the mark, and not 8:00 on the record," he said. "In that regard, despite what has just happened, he has maintained his curfew status…and as such, he ought to get indoors very, very soon, wouldn't you think?"

"And so he shall," said David. "I'll have him in bed before you can say Flying Kipper. Goodnight, sirs."

"We'll wait for you, David," said Emily, winking to Thomas.

"Me too, David," said Beatrice.

While the Fat Controller and the Constable went home for the night, David escorted Bernie right to the Sea Emperor and below decks, all while Bernie didn't say a thing. David gestured to Bernie's hammock, then turned to leave…when he was suddenly taken by the shoulder. David turned around saw it was Bernie who had done it, bearing a somber but humble expression.

"Look…uh…Captain…uh…what you did…with the outing and in the alley…well…thank you," he said simply and briefly.

David stood where he was for a moment, then spoke. "Didn't your Mum and Pop ever teach you to pick your fights a bit more carefully?"

Bernie didn't answer and looked down. David began to wonder.

"Your parents weren't the teaching sort?"

"Uhh…I…I can't even remember either of them," Bernie replied lowly. "Not my Dad…or even my Mum. I-I really don't know what happened until Baz came along, then with Sonny, and…well…"

For the first time dealing with either of these two thieves, David felt an eerily familiar sense of relatability for Bernie, having lost his own father, and being away from his mother for twelve whole years until his adventure with Emily. While Bernie's lack of memory was surely due to his absent mind just the same, David had to take pity after what he had just heard.

"Ohh…sorry, lad."

"Oh, it doesn't matter," said Bernie. "I'm still here now…and after Baz…well, perhaps I should be glad of what I have. Much better than…than being behind bars."

"Yes…yes…" David said lowly. "Well, it's nearing 8:00 now, and you ought to get some sleep just the same. There'll be plenty of work awaiting you tomorrow morning."

Bernie nodded slightly and crawled into his hammock, while David left the ship and returned to Thomas, Emily and Beatrice. By now the sun had set and the stars were starting to glimmer through the sky. Thomas, Emily and Beatrice watched as David came closer and looked up to all three of them. He kept quiet in deep thoughts, then he gestured toward the edge of the pier and started walking toward it. Beatrice walked up beside him, and Thomas and Emily gently followed them to the buffers. For a fair while, they all stood together, looking out to the sea and the stars and moon, thinking all about today's line of events, most particularly Bernie's newfound friendship with Lola, and his considerably gallant defense for her this very evening. At last, the silence was broken.

"Well…I was most certainly not expecting what just happened tonight," Thomas said heavily. "Especially not for Bernie."

"And just how it played out tonight, even after everything quieted down, Thomas," said Emily. "I was almost certain that Bernie was right on his way back to the courts."

"But from what we've seen and heard at the moment…not quite so," said Beatrice.

"Although it certainly came close, wouldn't you say, David?" asked Emily.

David turned to his mother's comment and nodded slowly before he got on Emily's running plate.

"It certainly was a close shave, in more ways than one," he said as he held her cheek. "I'm still notably suspicious as to what this may or may not entail for Bernie in the time that is to come…but I believe my tactic is working. This was a most unexpected test for Bernie…and I'm most curious as to what may follow after this."

"Indeed, David," said Emily. "But you know…as big and sudden as tonight's events are…that's not the biggest surprise to me."

"Then what is, Emily?" asked Beatrice.

Emily looked to Thomas, then almost seemed absorbed.

"Now that everything's quieted down again…" she said softly, but wholesomely. "It…it's the fact that Bernie seems to have a fellow lady of his own. Of course, nothing happens right away, but perhaps they…well…what do you think, Thomas?"

"Hmm. That's actually quite curious, Emily," he pondered. "He actually found a woman to be with…something Baz failed to do."

This made David and Beatrice ponder as well.

"Of course…" Beatrice said softly.

"Well, for those spoken words alone…yes. Perhaps he has found a woman to be with," said David.

"Indeed…and actually, for someone like Bernie, that is a remarkable feat," said Emily. "I can't say for sure if they could be together…but she does seem to like him the most of anyone else around him."

"Yes. So she does," David noted. "And to that effect…I truly hope I'm right about this…I almost hasten to confess…perhaps he does have a chance after all. If his good streak could just keep it up. If only it could…"

Thomas and Emily looked to each other and felt a little tingle in their hearts as they both managed to smile softly.

"You know, David…in the midst of this trying time for you and Bernie…I do hope you're right," Emily said gently. "Bernie may not be a perfect man, even if he does succeed, but for him to have a friend like Lola could be a most precious gift in and amongst the uncertainty and disdain others may give him."

David looked at Emily, then smiled.

"I hope you're right as well, Emily," he said surely. "After all, having you as my best friend is a most precious gift of mine."

David then gave Emily a kiss on her cheek, then gently trailed his fingers along her face to tickle her.

"Hm-hm-hm-hm…! Thank you, David," Emily giggled. "You're a most precious gift of mine too, my best friend."

"Well…we'll all see what comes next for Bernie," Thomas remarked as he started to yawn. "Ohh, Emily. Shall we sleep here by the sea tonight?"

"I'd like that, Thomas," Emily smiled as she started to yawn too. "Ohh. Goodnight, David. Goodnight, Beatrice."

"Goodnight, Thomas and Emily," David and Beatrice said together.

Thomas and Emily then set off to find a turntable then a shed, and while David and Beatrice made their way home, David looked to the Sea Emperor and whispered ever-so quietly.

"Goodnight, Bernie."

Soon afterwards, David and Beatrice were in for the night and settled in. Thomas and Emily were sound asleep buffer to buffer in their own little shed by the sea, and Bernie was in his hammock for the night. While Bernie lay in bed, he couldn't help but reflect on his night out with Lola. While there were certainly a lot of regulations following him, and a much closer watch on him to come after his fight in the alley, his little outing was the most involved he had ever felt in Sudrian Society since he and Baz had come to Sodor in the first place with Sonny. Bernie was also considerably touched and delighted by Lola's friendly approach. While it wasn't anything special, he had never had a friend as open and devoted as Lola in his life, and he almost felt something for her too. As Lola lay in bed in her own home, she was most touched and obliged by Bernie's motion to protect her from harm, and she was already keen to meet up with him again as soon as the time could come. But unfortunately, this approach was not bound to last indefinitely. There were yet a few hurdles more to come, and for David and especially Bernie, things were about to get much more challenging.

---

Well, that was certainly eventful, wasn't it? If you watched the Batman "Birds of a Feather" episode, some of the stuff here you might recognize. Things seem to getting more optimistic for Bernie, but as the last paragraph implies, things are only gonna get worse for him. Also, yes, John Wilkins, "Thomas and the Magic Railroad" - more accurately, "Tragic Failroad" - isn't canon in this universe because it literally makes no sense for it to be canon purely because of the stupid magic crap, and mainly because I think it's absolutely terrible. Tell us what you thought of this chapter, and as always, stay safe.