It was a beautiful, moonlit night over Arlesburgh, and Percy and Emily were fast asleep together in their shed by the sea, snuggling profusely as they slept in the everlasting bond they shared as mother and son figures. This very night, Emily's beloved singing to Percy had brought a few people out of their homes, including David and even more significantly, Bernie. With the ever-so faint memory that his own mother had sang that very song, Bernie slept on in his hammock through the night with a most stirred mind until the next day would come.

The night passed, and another warm morning sun began peaking over Arlesburgh. Below the Sea Emperor's decks, Bernie could sense the coming morning and slowly woke up again. As he looked around the ship's walls and sat up, he thought back to what he had experienced the night before. Ever since his probation had begun, and even taking his whole life into account, Bernie had never heard anything like it. He thought Emily's voice was truly angelic and nothing like he had ever heard before, but the very song she had sung was what tugged at him the most of all. As such, despite the fact that neither David nor his crew had arrived to rouse him yet, Bernie thought he had to see Emily and tell her a little how he felt about all this…so he got out of bed and went upstairs to the Sea Emperor's deck.

Bernie looked around and couldn't see David coming yet. He looked further out and could see Percy and Emily still in their shed. Then he looked and saw the town clock. It read 7:56 a.m. Only four minutes before his 8:00 a.m. start would come along. He thought a little about his curfew hours, and the fact that he had wandered outside the ship after hours when he heard Emily singing, then decided.

"Well, it's nearly 8:00 anyway," Bernie said to himself. "And there's no harm in just talking. Yeah. It'll be alright."

So Bernie left the ship, and walked slowly out from the pier and on toward the shed.

At this moment, Emily felt the morning sun beaming through her closed eyes and she slowly opened them, then leaned upwards in a morning stretch.

"Ohhh…" she yawned drowsily, then looked and saw Percy's nose was nuzzled right with hers.

"Mmm…" Percy hummed drowsily as he gave a little stir in his sleep.

Emily remembered her lullaby to Percy the night before and smiled most intimately to see his steady smile. Then she sweetly leaned in and pecked Percy's cheek with a little kiss.

"Wakey-wakey, my sweet little baby," she soothed softly.

Percy stirred a little, but didn't quite wake up. Emily's motherly intuition knew what to do.

"Per-cy…" she sang quietly, then softly nibbled his cheek to tickle him.

"Hm-hm-hm-hm…!" Percy giggled quietly as his eyes slowly opened and saw Emily smiling right at him.

"Good morning," she whispered. "It's lovely here by the sea, isn't it?"

Percy nodded as he yawned himself awake. "Good morning, Emily. And yes, it is lovely…just like you, mother."

"Oh, you adorable little smoochie-coochie," Emily giggled playfully. "Come here, Percy. Won't you kiss me good morning. Please?"

"You don't have to ask, Emily," Percy chimed as he leaned in and kissed her left cheek, then her right cheek.

"Oh, Percy. Hm-hm-hm!" Emily giggled lovingly as she felt Percy's kisses tickling her cheeks. "Soft, aren't they?"

"Mm-hmm," Percy hummed as he kissed her nose then cuddled to her face. "Your cheeks are very soft and warm, Emily. Just as you sang to me last night."

"Oh…thank you, Percy," Emily chimed as she cuddled him in turn. "Now. Perhaps you and I should make ready to start the day."

Percy nodded and was just about to make ready and move, when he looked ahead and suddenly seemed quite alert…and a little uncomfortable. His eyes widened ever so slightly.

"What is it, Percy?" Emily asked, noticing his mood change at once.

"Emily…uhh…you might want to look," Percy said steadily. "He…he's coming."

Emily looked at once, and when she saw what Percy was talking about, she suddenly felt alert too and her heart jumped. There was Bernie walking steadily, albeit a little unevenly towards them both. He could see they were both alert, but he kept on walking toward them until he stopped a few feet away from them both. Percy had never seen Bernie up this close before, and neither did Emily. Not even when she and Thomas were at the scene of Kenji's rescue. Neither engine knew what to do, but had to break the awkward silence.

"Bernie…uhh…morning," Emily said, quite carefully.

"Uhh…morning, Ms. Emily…" Bernie replied as he looked to the small green engine. "And…uhh…"

"I…I'm Percy," he answered, not sure at all what to think of Bernie being this close to him.

"Bernie, exactly what are you doing out here?" Emily asked, still very cautiously. "You know Captain Rider will be coming to start your day any minute. I'm not sure what he'd think of you out and about before he comes."

"Yeah. I know he'll be coming," said Bernie. "But it's just about 8:00 anyway. And…it's just…well…"

"What, Bernie? What is it?" Emily asked neutrally.

"Well…see, it's hard not to bring forth," said Bernie. "See, last night…I think I saw you both here. Quite late."

Percy and Emily remembered the night before, and Emily suddenly felt curious.

"Quite late, you say? Hmm…" Emily inquired. Then she suddenly looked at Bernie and suspected. "You…you didn't hear me singing last night, did you?"

"Actually…yeah, I did," Bernie remembered. "In fact, I did hear some lovely singing. That was you, wasn't it, Ms. Emily?"

"Uhh…yes, Bernie. It was," said Emily. "But what is it to you? Why do you come to me about it?"

"Well…you do have a most lovely voice," said Bernie. "But besides that…it's just…Well…see…me Mum sang that song…it be right there on the tip of my tongue. Ain't heard it in years and years, and…it was quite something, hearing it again. That's all I'm really saying."

Percy and Emily looked to each other and felt a certain sense of thought wave through their boilers…and none of them saw who else was coming along behind them yet.

"Hmm. I see," said Emily. "Your mother sang that, did she?"

"Yeah," said Bernie. "And, what with me hearing it again from you, I just wanted to-"

Percy and Emily suddenly heard David's voice interrupt as they saw him stop right by Bernie.

"Percy, Emily! I don't want you talking with him!" David checked a little firmly, then lowered his tone. "I want to talk with him."

Emily could see what David meant by this; the wink he gave her was all she needed. Then she and Percy watched as he snapped his finger to Bernie and they walked off side by side, back toward the ship.

"Hmm…curious," said Percy. "Bernie seemed almost…almost honest."

"Yes…he did. And, oh, my," Emily said softly. "My singing seems to have had some effect on him, Percy. I didn't even think…"

"Neither did I," said Percy. "But what will it mean for him? Something good, bad or nothing at all?"

"I don't know, Percy," said Emily. "But I will certainly tell Thomas about this. And he'll have plenty to tell me, since you and I were busy all day yesterday."

"Right," said Percy. "And I agree, Emily. We should be going. The Fat Controller will be expecting us to start our day."

So Percy and Emily set off out of Arlesburgh, while David spoke with his parolee beside the Sea Emperor.

"Uhh…what is it, Captain?" Bernie asked. "I…I wasn't out too early, was I?"

David checked his pocket watch.

"Well…that was a bit of a fine cut, and I don't believe in overstepping your curfew hours, but at least I came along right away."

"Yeah. Right," said Bernie. "Only wanted her to know what it was like last night for me."

"So you did. But we have more prudent matters to discuss," said David. "As the evidence stands, Bernie, the past two days have been a most unhealthy spiral downward for you. It's been a touch of Hell for you and me in their own ways."

"You be telling me," Bernie replied neutrally.

"And then, it seems that last night, Emily gave this little village a particular experience for a few others. Including the two of us...out in the open."

Bernie suddenly looked nervous and was about to speak when David continued.

"Don't take me for a simpleton. I was out there myself to hear Emily singing, and I did have a tiny little inkling that maybe you heard her too…after 8:00, no less. But you were only listening and taking it all in, and nothing else."

Bernie's legs quaked nervously as he looked right at David. "She…she just sounded so lovely, Captain."

"Yes. Yes, she does," said David. "She's my best friend after all."

"But me out there after eight…" Bernie said nervously. "You…you won't tell the Constable, will you?"

David held his gaze on Bernie, then answered. "…Not yet."

"And…what of Ms. Emily?" Bernie asked. "Any chance she'd come along again soon? Her voice…"

"We'll see," said David. "Right now, she's left to do her own work, which is just what you should be doing yourself right now. As I told you before, Bernie, in the midst of all this, you might be able to have your second chance come true. But ONLY if you prove yourself to be a trustworthy and useful man."

"Uhh…well, I'm certainly trying," said Bernie.

"How hard you try and whether it works or not shall determine all," said David. "Today shall be your usual routine again, and we'll see what your extra duties will be after all your trouble yesterday. Go on, now."

"Uhh…yes, sir."

And Bernie started another day, while David left for his own work. The morning hours ticked by steadily. While Bernie kept watch on the horizon with Captain Joe, he continued to think a little about Emily's song the night before. As time passed, he tried to remember more about his mother besides the fact that she sang that song herself. But however hard Bernie tried to think, he could not recall much more about his mother. Then gradually, as he looked out to the sea, he began to slightly hum the lullaby's tune very quietly. Captain Joe noticed this and turned around. While Bernie was keeping his eye on the water, Joe recognized the tune at once as he too remembered Emily and Percy had spent the night here. Before long, Bernie's humming stopped and he continued his watch on the water, until 11:00 came upon the day, and as Bernie walked down the stairs, Captain Joe heard him humming the tune once more.

"Hmm…what could he be thinking?" Captain Joe asked to no one in particular.

Down below the pier, Jordan, Cecco and Adam were waiting at the fishing boats when Bernie came along. Noting what had happened the day before, they all kept a fairly stern look as Bernie came along.

"Now, Bernie," said Jordan. "We haven't forgotten your little muck-up with Diesel yesterday."

"So be sure to fish out as many lobsters as you can," said Cecco. "Preferably more than your catch yesterday."

"And don't go worrying about any mix-ups this time," said Adam. "Diesel is locked up far away from you now."

"Uhh…yeah. Sure," said Bernie.

Over the next two hours, Bernie had to work harder than usual to make up for the lobsters he was tricked into throwing away. Bernie looked up now and again and saw Jordan maintaining a firm look to make sure Bernie did not get distracted, and so Bernie kept on working. Soon, he had fished out eight lobsters as he did the day before. Jordan nodded, but didn't smile, which told Bernie he had to keep going. Sure enough, by the time 1:00 came upon the day, Bernie's catch was complete with a total of thirteen lobsters. While the boat docked alongside the pier again, he spoke up.

"There you go! What do you say to this jolly lot?" Bernie asked.

Jordan saw the number and took note, but maintained a practical approach.

"Hmm. Not bad, young man," he said steadily. "But those releases yesterday likely left the Seaside Bistro a trifle disappointed. I wonder if this catch will be enough for them to make a good count tonight."

Bernie suddenly looked hurt. He'd thought David's crew had moved on since the day before, and now he felt as though he was in the wrong again.

"What? …But that wasn't all my fault," he suddenly said. "It was that…that Diesel fellow who said I could-"

"Let them all go?" Jordan cut in. "Well, even for someone like you, Bernie, you seriously ought to know better."

"Oh, dear. But how CAN he know much better, good fellows?" came a posh, highly important-sounding voice from the pier.

"Uhh…Ian Wainwright…again," said Cecco.

And it was. Wainwright came along the pier and looked at Bernie unimpressively.

"Trying to fish back those lost lobsters for lunch, are you? How…stirring," said Wainwright. "Then again, if you do let them all swim away again, and blow all your chances again, as many of us know you will, you might even make the front page."

Bernie could feel the offense stinging his nerve very badly. But before he could talk back, Jordan spoke to the tailor first, quite irritably.

"You have no business here, Wainwright, anymore than Hetty and Geraldine do. This pier is for fishermen, and friends."

"Hmm. No matter," Wainwright sniffed as he eyed Bernie loftily. "He probably doesn't even know what I'm talking about. Such a mind he has."

Then Wainwright turned and went on back toward his shop. Given the time it was now, while Jordan, Cecco and Adam managed the lobsters, Bernie returned to the Sea Emperor for lunch. After another standard set of rations, 2:00 chimed on the village clock and Steve came along by to see Bernie.

"Had your fill, Bernie?" he asked.

"Yeah. But still nothing after those lovely lobsters."

Steve shook his head, not wanting to bother about it. "Come along, Bernie. It's time we collected that rubbish for today."

Bernie suddenly remembered the truly horrendous fallout James had given him two days past, and didn't really want to go back out there, but still knew it wouldn't help if he refused, so he sighed and got up to follow Steve.

Over the next while, Bernie and Steve collected more rubbish as they trailed through the village. Now and again, Bernie looked up to see if anyone was coming. To his relief, no one came along to tease or point at him. Yet. After about an hour, Bernie looked up and saw the Constable keeping watch on him again with his arms folded and his expression solid and firm. Bernie made sure not to stare and kept on with his work.

Eventually, both rubbish bins were nearly full, and Bernie and Steve were just about done. There were just a few more bits and pieces to gather up, when Bernie suddenly looked up and recognized the stretch of line James came down. In that moment, Bernie could almost hear James' most venomous remarks about his mother ringing in his ears again and went quite still. Steve looked up and just started to hear Bernie talking to himself.

"Jab on me own mum, would you?" he said angrily.

"Bernie, please don't," said Steve. "Pay attention to-"

"Butting in on my really useful chance, you tank of hot air," Bernie said lowly as if James were coming along. "Just you wait. Come along here, and I'll-"

Suddenly, there came another little chord of voices, all too familiar to Bernie now, and most unwelcomed. None other than Hetty and Geraldine walking side by side.

"Look! There he goes again, Geraldine," said Hetty. "Still never leaving Captain Joe alone in his lighthouse, sweating away with lobster-potting, plucking rubbish in the street, and grumbling to engines when they aren't even coming along. How does he not give up?"

"Indeed, Hetty," Geraldine sniffed. "Not to mention him being fooled by Diesel of all engines after such a clear trick. Positively painful, it is!"

Bernie could feel the offense hitting him hard again, and he felt a serious urge to speak back to both women, but Steve spoke first.

"The only thing positively painful about all this is your ongoing gossip, ladies! You know the captain forbids it in regard to Bernie!"

Both ladies were considerably surprised by Steve's remarks and scoffed indignantly.

"Well! If we may, Steve, to hear us talk, your captain is wasting his time trying to save this odd fellow," said Hetty. "It's not worth it, really."

"He really ought to give it up," said Geraldine. "Pack it in. This lowly blighter never get it right."

Try as hard as he might, Bernie couldn't help it. He couldn't just shrivel up and not say anything. He roughly put his rubbish bin down and began walking towards both women, making them both suddenly stop.

"Look, ladies!" Bernie exclaimed, clearly losing patience. "I think I've had quite enough of all your jabbering and sauce-talk all about me! I'm here to be really useful, and you're both just a bundle of-"

"Bernie! Ladies! You stop this at once!" the Constable snapped as he came striding over to all three.

"Ohh! He's gone mad, Sir Constable!" Hetty exclaimed a little dramatically. "Or he wouldn't dare to approach or speak to us like this!"

"It's not madness, ma'am, it's your incapability of withholding your own words!" the Constable snapped. "You are just as bad as he is if you can't leave the matter alone to David, his crew and myself, which is what I suggest you start doing. This instant!"

Hetty and Geraldine were surprised to see that even the Constable was taking a fair stand for Bernie. Most astonished, they turned and walked awkwardly away. The Constable frowned as the ladies turned the corner, then he looked back to Bernie, who suddenly seemed frightened for losing control again. Steve shook his head and listened to everything.

"O-oh! Sorry, sir! It's not what you think!" Bernie panicked lightly.

"I know what you're thinking," said the Constable. "And I know just how insensitive both those ladies are being towards you, Bernie. But grumbling about James, approaching both ladies as you just did, and wearing that glare is not helping your probation record at all. This unfortunately means three more demerits added to your record. Seriously. Did you not note my warning yesterday?"

"Well…yeah, I remember. But…Uhh! I can't help it, sir," said Bernie. "Just what 'Big-Red,' said about me Mum, and both those ladies! If they can't be quiet and all that, I'd…I'd…"

"You'll do no such thing. Not if you expect to be free at all!" the Constable said firmly. "Besides, you needn't worry about James another moment. He will no longer be causing you any trouble. No more than Sailor John will ever stir our soils again."

Bernie scoffed at first, but then stopped and looked up again. Then he asked very curiously.

"Say…sir? Who be this…Sailor John?"

This got the Constable's attention on the dot, and he suddenly went quite still. In the midst of this simple man's ongoing probation, and especially after what had the day before, and just now, the Constable remembered insisting on more duties after reporting on Bernie's trouble the day before. Given the circumstances, was then that he decided perhaps he himself could provide a little extra duty for Bernie, by providing a sliver of knowledge he could hopefully take to heart.

"Uhh…what is it, sir?" Bernie asked.

The Constable looked curiously at Bernie, then turned to Steve.

"Hmm…Steve…I think you and Bernie have gathered enough rubbish for today. If you'll excuse us, Bernie and I need to have a little talk together."

Bernie felt his heart jump nervously, and Steve had a certain inkling as to what this could mean.

"Hmm. Yes, sir," said Steve. "The captain is busy with some of the fishermen, but I'll inform him of this once he's done."

While Steve left to manage the rubbish, the Constable and Bernie walked through the village side by side. As they walked, the Constable told Bernie, as best he could, some of the most notable events surrounding Sailor John. Some of which included his encounter with Thomas to find Cap'n Calles treasure, the chase for the treasure, his escape from prison, and even some of the havoc he had spread across the island until his final imprisonment, right up to his death by his own doing. Bernie of course didn't understand too much of it, but he was captivated and even shocked by some of what Sailor John had managed to do, and hearing how it all ended for the pirate made him think quite deeply about himself every few moments. As the talking continued, a few people throughout the village turned and saw the two men walking together and heard little bits of what the topic was all about, and so Bernie and the Constable talked on for quite some time, and sure enough, the word reached Steve as to just what both men were talking about, then he set off quickly to find David.


By this time, David had finished helping the fishermen on the far end of the village. He then started making his way toward the Sea Emperor, when he saw Steve coming along.

"Steve? How's the day keeping?" he asked.

"Actually, captain, I came to tell you something important, and even intriguing," said Steve. "About Bernie."

"What's that?" asked David. "What can be intriguing about him today?"

Steve told David about Bernie, the ladies, and the Constable. Then when Steve told David what they had been talking about so far for the past long while in the village, David went very still and felt a whole slew of thought racing through his mind. He had not given any thought to something like this being raised with Bernie at all.

"Well…I'll be," David said at last. "How did I not think of…? Where are they now?"

"They've been walking through the village since I last left them," said Steve. "Perhaps we'd better take a look."

David followed Steve back along the line until they were alongside the village. Then sure enough, David looked and saw Bernie and the Constable walking together. By now, Bernie had heard just about everything the Constable had to tell, and even for the simple man that he was, he was considerably moved strongly in some way or other. David saw Bernie blink slowly as the Constable concluded his point.

"Sailor John couldn't let go of his hate. And in the end, it destroyed him."

"I've…never heard the story of Sailor John that way," Bernie said slowly. "He truly was a blackguard."

The Constable nodded once to Bernie, then looked up and saw David.

"There you are, Captain. I presume you're curious of your parolee's progress today?"

"Yes, sir," said David. "But that's just part of it. Steve came and told me a few things as to what you've been telling him."

"Yes. Given the circumstances so far, I thought it prudent to tell Bernie a few things…about Sailor John himself."

"Is that right?" David noted as he looked to Bernie. "So…he brought that all forth to you, did he?"

"Yeah…and…I…wow…blimey…" Bernie said a little vaguely.

David breathed in strongly and spoke again to the Constable.

"Well, sir. Somehow, I didn't think this would come up in regard to our parolee, but thank you. Bringing such knowledge to him is certainly another certain experience for him…just as it was for him last night."

The Constable looked curiously at David. "Last night? What are you talking about? Bernie went to bed at 8:00. …Didn't he?"

David looked up again, then remembered what he had said to Bernie about being out of bed after hours. Bernie suddenly felt his legs shaking nervously. He had forgotten about his curfew hours being at 8:00 from p.m. to a.m., and he had wandered outdoors three hours after that cut-off. David really didn't want Bernie's chances to disappear, but as were the terms of his probation, he couldn't hide anything. So he straightened his hair and explained.

"He did go to bed at 8:00 last night, yes…but later last night, he did end up being out of bed, and he did wander just along the pier, around 11:00 p.m. But he was right back in bed soon afterwards."

The Constable went very still where he was and looked almost coldly at Bernie, who felt his heart skip a few beats.

"You were out of bed and outdoors, three hours after your daily limit?" the Constable said, unimpressed. "And just what were you doing out there?"

Bernie began to sweat, but answered honestly through his shaking voice.

"I…I did nothing. Nothing at all. See…I…I only did it because I heard Ms. Emily singing to her…her little…Percy…from their shed."

"Braham's Lullaby," said David. "I was out here myself last night with a few others, and we heard it all from Emily. As for Bernie…well…"

"It's that…me Mum sang that very song," said Bernie. "Ain't heard it for years and years, and…well, I simply had to see it myself."

"Merely listening from the ship would have been enough," said the Constable dryly. Then he wrote in his book. "Hmm. Wandering outside the ship after hours. Tsk-tsk-tsk-tsk-tsk. I don't like the look of this, Bernie. Even with the matter of Emily singing something your mother once sang, you wandering outside the ship still tweaks with your terms of curfew…and I'm afraid we must follow through with it."

"Huh? Oh, no! No!" Bernie began to beg. "Not the cage! Not after hearing such a voice of angels last night!"

"Not quite. Not back to the Unit for you," said the Constable. "But I'm sorry, Bernie. When you're on probation, you have to remain within inside walls. And since you did wander outside the walls at this late hour…as well as show a little aggression toward the ladies today, this means extra duties right until 8:00 tonight. I'll leave that to you, David."

"Yes, sir," David nodded, but then suddenly noticed. "Wait…aggression? Uhh…God's Sake, Bernie! What did he do now, Constable?"

The Constable told him about Hetty and Geraldine's gossip, and Bernie's ongoing grump about James, and his slightly aggressive approach on both ladies. Even Steve got in on the report and told David about Wainwright's less than helpful talk at the pier.

"Uhh…thank you, Constable," said David. "I'll put him to work once more. It's clear to me that today's report isn't too shiny either."

"I don't think so, Captain," the Constable replied as he turned to leave. "For now, see to it Bernie is kept busy until he must turn in for the day."

"Ohh…but-but-I mean, that's not…uhh…" Bernie started to complain, but the Constable's stern expression stopped him.

David walked Bernie hastily back to the pier, then held his shoulder and looked right at him.

"Seriously, Bernie," said David. "When are going to drill it in that those ladies' problems, and Wainwright's are not for you to bloody solve?! It's all Deja-vu from yesterday!"

"But Captain! What am I if I only shrivel down to everything they say? Even Ms. Lola says I ought to stand up for me own good!"

"Under normal circumstances, yes," said David. "But you're not a normal circumstance, are you? Probation, parole status, conditions and curfews – those are not normal circumstances compared to those who truly obey the law! Hear you nothing that we say?"

"The ladies ain't stopping there!" Bernie went on, clearly not answering David's question. "They even say you should 'give it up,' and 'pack it in'."

David tightened his lip and hesitated for a moment, then sighed shallowly.

"If your performance doesn't get much better, maybe I'll have no choice but to do just that! I'm trying to help you through all this mess, Bernie, but I can't do that if you don't pull your weight, physically and socially!"

Bernie scoffed most grumpily.

"Pah! If them ladies, James and Daisy ain't pulling their weight like that…what does it matter if I pull my own?"

"There you go again!" David exclaimed. "Always counter-talking and arguing! You really are a tiresome young man! I think there's only one thing to keep you truly busy and teach you a lesson!"

"What?" Bernie asked a little rudely…then saw David hand him the picking tool.

"Barnacles. You got most of them over with yesterday," he said sternly. "Maybe getting them all plucked by tonight will help you think about being a little less snarky."

He then handed Bernie the picking tool, then turned and left. Bernie looked down to the tool, then to the pier. He could see the very boats he had worked on the day before still had a few barnacles left. And Copper was down there too to keep watch on him.

"Ohh…Jolly Bobby Hell! This ain't no FAIR!" Bernie exclaimed loudly, not caring if anyone heard him as he stomped down the stairs.

Some distance from the pier, David and the Constable watched as Bernie rowed the rowboat back to the fishing boats and began angrily plucking what barnacles he could from the sides. One hour passed. Then another thirty minutes. Bernie was still plucking away at the barnacles, and David and the Constable were still watching him work.

"So much so quickly on his shoulders," said David. "I want to be fair to him, Constable. But I don't know. I really don't know."

"Neither do I, Captain Rider. None of us do."

Then the Constable touched his cap and turned to go home. David watched him leave, then suddenly saw another figure running in his direction. He looked and saw Lola running along the line and up toward the pier.

"Well. Here she comes," David said to himself.

"Captain Rider! Where is he? Where's Bernie? Has he been asking for me?" Lola asked a little urgently.

"Lola, he just got off talking with the Constable, and he's on more extra duties," said David.

"More extra duties? What for?" Lola asked. "What happened this time?"

"For wandering outdoors after his curfew hours last night, grumbling about James, picking a little fight with Hetty and Geraldine, and even picking a little quarrel with me just now, he'll be working straight through on those barnacles until 8:00 tonight."

Lola looked down the pier and saw Bernie herself, once again plucking the barnacles away, with little success and grouching away as he did, while Copper kept watch. David then told Lola all that had happened today, while she took it in. In spite of Bernie's less than satisfactory performance of late, she still couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

"Oh, no. The village still won't let up," she said. "David, please. I must go down to him again."

But just before Lola could make her way down, David spoke up.

"Hold on there, Lola…given what's been going on recently, I'm not entirely sure if you can help Bernie. He's still in an ill mood after hearing those ladies gossip on him, and I issued the order. He must work straight through until 8:00. As such, I'd probably advise you not to disturb him."

To this, Lola didn't know what she could say at first, and after a moment, she suddenly turned and started walking towards the pier.

"You may advise it, but I'm his friend," she said to David. "The only one he's got."

David watched as Lola went down the stairs, then sighed as he set off for home to tell Beatrice everything himself. When Copper saw Lola come down the stairs, he looked and saw Bernie poke his head up and see her himself.

"Ohh! Ms. Lola! There you are! A miracle! I must see her, Copper! I must!"

"Uh-uh-uh!" Copper suddenly checked sternly. "I'm sorry, Lola. But the captain has ordered that Bernie work straight through until 8:00 tonight. All these barnacles must be gone by then, and I don't believe even your levity can be included. Surely, Captain Rider told you that."

"Yes, Copper. He told me," said Lola. "But Bernie is still clearly in ill spirits. I'm the only friend he has right now, and I think if he's to do any better, I must speak with him. Captain's orders or not."

Copper looked at Bernie. He could see he was lightening up already just to see Lola again. Copper then straightened his lip and sighed.

"Fine, then. You have ten minutes at most," he said to Lola. "But then he must work even harder to make up those ten minutes."

Lola nodded with promise, and Bernie rowed hastily back to the pier and got out. Lola then gestured for Bernie to follow her up the stairs. When they got to the top, the talking began.

"Bernie. Tell me what happened this time," she said. "David told me some of what happened, but what about your side of it all?"

"What does it look like, Ms. Lola?" Bernie asked. "Just because I heard Ms. Emily's lovely singing last night and left the ship, and both those lady peddlers saying such things about me today, I'm right back on hard duties! I'm asking you, now, Ms. Lola. Is it all really worth it?"

"What do you mean by that?" Lola asked.

"How can I be a useful man if no one else but you trusts me? The captain will never let me go free if this goes on forever! He said himself he may have to give it up and pack it in! For just a few curfew hours off? Me Mum sang that song Ms. Emily sang!"

Lola sighed, not sure to what to say to placate Bernie now.

"Well, Bernie…those are curfew hours after all, and if they aren't followed, it doesn't go without follow-up. But to answer your question on worth, I know it's very hard, but you really mustn't give up. Such matters as this can't be rushed. With enough time, perhaps the others will see who you really are. I don't know exactly why you're being put through all this, but whatever the situation is, I would do my duty, were I in a position such as yours."

"Would you, though, Ms. Lola?" Bernie asked. "With constant work, little to no time to breathe, and no paid agreement except food and bed? I'm almost pondering…if I made the right choice in agreeing to all this."

"Come now, Bernie," said Lola. "There's still a lot you can do in the time there is to come. If you can just show who you intend to be through being really useful, that might make things even a little better."

"Maybe. But all this…It…it…it's no fair, Ms. Lola! Captain Rider does whatever HE likes!" Bernie complained. "He NEVER allows me any chance to do the same! I've been working all I can, and there's hardly any reward for all this! I barely have anything worthy in all this!"

Lola wanted to think Bernie was just upset and letting off steam, and she really didn't know what would help Bernie now, so she gave a simple, but true point to make. She held his shoulders and Bernie looked up, right into her eyes.

"You have me, Bernie. I hope you haven't forgotten that," said Lola. "And right now…please take care of yourself. That's all I really ask of you."

Bernie nodded slowly, but genuinely as he held Lola's hand. Then after a moment, he slowly turned and walked back down the stairs to resume his barnacle duties with Copper. Lola watched for one more moment, then went home herself, undecided on what to do for or about Bernie right now.

The barnacle picking continued for Bernie on all three boats. It was tedious work, and even frustrating for Bernie, but in the end, just ten minutes before the town clock would strike 8:00, Bernie plucked one more barnacle, then heard Copper's voice.

"Well, Bernie. Row out a little, and take a look."

Bernie did as Copper said, rowed the boat out some distance, then took one look. At last, ever since he had first tackled the job two days earlier, all the barnacles were gone from the boats. His extra duty seemed to be done at last.

"I…I…I did it!" Bernie exclaimed suddenly.

"Yes. So you did," said Copper. "And it only took you…three whole days?"

"Oi, them barnacles are stubborn little blighters!" Bernie exclaimed. "You think it's all tea and cake?"

"No, I do not," Copper replied steadily. "And now, it's about time you call it a day."

"About time," Bernie said, mostly to himself.

Bernie and Copper both returned to the pier and back up the stairs. Copper set off for home while Bernie sighed and returned to the Sea Emperor, just in time for the town clock to strike 8:00. Bernie's curfew was now in session again, and this time, he was determined to hold true to it as he went below decks and back to his hammock. But as he lay down and settled in, Bernie didn't feel as hopeful and optimistic as he might have been had some of these unsavory things hadn't happened. But they had, and now, matters were more uncertain. David wasn't showing as much understanding as Bernie would have wanted, and he didn't know if this matter could be fixed.

"Ohh…Maybe nobody wants me after all," Bernie thought as he went unhappily to sleep.


With Bernie settled in for the evening again, the Main Line was settling down too. By this time, Emily had returned to Knapford Station from her day's work, while the other engines were making their way back to Tidmouth Sheds, all except Thomas. Emily backed her empty trucks into a siding, then settled at Platform One to wait for Thomas. They had not seen each other at all today with all the work they were both managing, and Emily knew they both had plenty to tell each other, as well as more to hear from David when they'd drop by Arlesburgh themselves.

"Oh, Bernie," Emily said softly to herself. "If only you could truly have a life here on Sodor, and have a real chance. And maybe be wiser, and happier…"

Then sure enough, Emily heard Thomas' whistle. She looked far down the line, and there he was coming back through the station. One look on his face told her he had been thinking and pondering all day about Bernie. He hustled and shunted his trucks into another siding, then approached Emily and buffered up to her. Emily leaned in and greeted him with a kiss.

"Hello, Thomas. I've been waiting for us to meet up again."

"Hello, Emily. I've been waiting too," said Thomas. "All your work is done?"

"Yes, Thomas," said Emily. "And now…I've come to catch up, as I know you have too."

Thomas remembered how Emily had been busy with Percy and the mail the day before. Now they could fill each other in on Bernie's latest progress yet.

"Yes. We were both very busy yesterday," said Thomas. "Too busy for you to check in with David."

"That's right. I was kept busy with Percy and the mail," said Emily. "But you managed to see David yesterday, didn't you?"

"I did," said Thomas. "You've yet to hear what happened yesterday, and we've yet to hear what today's report is for Bernie."

"Yes. And I've got a few things to tell you myself, Thomas…about last night."

Thomas raised his eyebrow curiously. "Well, let's set off for Arlesburgh, and we can tell each other all about it on the way."

And so they did. They set off down the line and past Tidmouth Sheds. Thomas turned the right way round on the turntable, then he and Emily set off down the line side by side, and the talking began as the sun set and the stars began to show through the sky. As they rode along together, Thomas told Emily all about the day before, including Diesel's trick on Bernie under the guise of David's voice which caused Bernie a most muddled mix-up and a souring record on the Constable's latest report.

"Oh, no," Emily worried somewhat. "I might have known Diesel would have had a buffer in all this. It's a good thing David and the Fat Controller pounced on him just in time."

"Yet how did we not assume Diesel would have done something sooner?" Thomas asked. "That all happened while I was on my Branch Line, and you and Percy were busy with the mail all day yesterday. Which reminds me…did you and Percy sleep well at Arlesburgh?"

Emily suddenly perked up and almost smiled as she fondly remembered.

"Oh, yes, Thomas. We slept very snugly…and actually, that brings me to another important matter. Something that may give us another clue about Bernie's current state."

"And what is that, Emily?" Thomas asked.

"I think it so happened that I had an effect on Bernie, in some way or other," said Emily.

"How?" Thomas asked.

Emily told Thomas how she sang her lullaby to Percy the night before. Thomas was enthralled and almost enchanted.

"Ohh…that is lovely, Emily," he said surely. "Percy really does have the best mother on the whole railway."

"Thank you, Thomas," Emily smiled. "But Percy wasn't the only one listening. A few others in Arlesburgh came out to hear it. Including Bernie."

Thomas looked right at Emily with a hard, focused expression. "He…he heard and listened to you last night?"

"Yes, Thomas. Neither I nor Percy had any idea he was watching us among the others who gathered round to see us…even David."

"Oh, of course," said Thomas. "I'm sure everyone was moved by your singing, Emily."

"Who wouldn't be, Thomas? Especially David and Bernie," said Emily. "In fact, Bernie actually came out this morning and confessed a little something to me and Percy."

"What's that?" asked Thomas.

"It's a most curious thing, Thomas," said Emily. "Bernie said with clear honesty…his mother sang that song. That's all he remembers about her, but that's what he told us just the same."

Thomas swallowed and hummed lowly as he took it in. Emily waited a few moments for him to answer.

"That's what he said, is it?" he eventually said. "Well. That is indeed something."

"But that little experience for him," said Emily. "Is it good, bad or neutral? That's what I've been wondering about all day…as well as what David may have to tell us both."

Soon, as night fell completely, Thomas and Emily arrived at Arlesburgh. As they passed the Sea Emperor, they couldn't see David on board. Emily figured he was at home, so she set off for his house, while Thomas followed. When they got there, they could see the living room light on. Emily whistled lightly, then David and Beatrice both came out.

"Hello, Thomas and Emily," said Beatrice. "David's been telling me all about today. I trust you've both come to hear it too?"

"Yes, Beatrice," said Thomas. "Emily and I have gotten each other up to speed so far, and now we'd like to hear what happened today."

"Well, you two, it wasn't as bad as yesterday," said David. "But again, it was another rocky one for Bernie."

So David told Thomas and Emily all about the day, and what Bernie had gone through. Wainwright's little comment at the pier, Hetty and Geraldine's latest gossip, the Constable's talk with Bernie about Sailor John, and his last little barnacle duty for the day. Thomas and Emily took everything in and were quite moved by a few aspects.

"The Constable told Bernie about Sailor John?" Thomas breathed. "But…why? What effect could that have on him?"

"I heard him tell Bernie how Sailor John never let go of hate, and that's what destroyed him in the end," said David. "Perhaps it's a cautionary message for Bernie not to fall into the same trap. Of course, his level of intelligence is nothing that Sailor John had, but if he gave into hate, that would surely ruin all for him."

"I think it would, David," said Thomas. "By the way, did Lola come along and talk with him?"

"She did, actually," said David. "I didn't stay to listen, but I can only assume she's guiding him as best she can. She's the only friend he really has."

Thomas and Emily looked to each other and sighed lightly.

"Well. Thank you for filling us in, David," said Thomas. "Although, by now…I do wish we could focus more on other things."

"I agree," said Emily. "We all have our own work to do, and whether Bernie succeeds or not, it's starting to drag a little. Even for Thomas and I."

David walked down and held Thomas and Emily's buffers.

"Well, you two, things like these are never certain. They always take an unprecedented amount of time, and as I say, we'll have to take this day by day. I honestly wish we could focus more on other things too. But right now, I just want to see if I can help Bernie. That little voice inside me would never leave me alone if I gave up."

"The little voice inside me never left me alone either," said Thomas. "When I wanted so badly to help Emily become who she really was again, all those years ago…and listening to it was probably the best thing I've ever done in my life."

"And in doing so, you did me wonders that are truly one in a million, Thomas," said Emily.

"He certainly did, Emily," said Beatrice. "I only hope a somewhat outcome can come about for Bernie."

"We'll just have to see," said David. "But for now, we should all be in bed. Perhaps tomorrow could give you two something more to focus on besides just Bernie."

"Anything exciting would be a nice little change," said Thomas.

"Perhaps, Thomas," said Emily. "Well, goodnight, David. Thanks again."

"Goodnight," David replied.

While Thomas and Emily set off down the line again, David and Beatrice went inside, changed into their nightwear, and were soon in bed themselves.

Thomas and Emily huffed all the way back to Tidmouth Sheds. By now, the stars were showing all through the sky as both engines turned round on the turntable and settled into their berths. The other engines were already asleep. Thomas looked to Emily as she gave a deep sigh and looked to the stars.

"Well, Thomas…it's still going for David and Bernie," she said softly. "What can this all mean next?"

"I don't know, Emily," said Thomas. "All I do know is that we're all still weathering the tides. The real question now, is how will they turn, and when?"

"Indeed, Thomas," said Emily. "Whichever way they turn for Bernie, none of us can say yet. We'll just see what tomorrow brings."

"Yes, we will," Thomas said as he rolled into his berth. "Until then, sleep well, Emily."

Emily rolled into her berth too and blew him a kiss. "You too, Thomas. Sleep well, dear."

And the two engines settled down to sleep with the rest of the engines, while Bernie slept on in th Sea Emperor below decks, wondering now and again in his sleep what would happen next.

Hour after hour, the nighttime darkness lingered over Sodor. The moon shone through the weaving clouds. Everything was quiet and still, and the whole island was sound asleep under the moon and stars…all except for one individual figure of some sort, and neither Bernie nor David nor Thomas, Emily or anyone else involved in this matter had any idea as to what would happen next between the captain and parolee, on account of this one particular figure's doing on this very night as it slowly weaved into extremely early morning hours.

It was approaching 3:30 a.m. in the morning. Nothing on the rails, road or walkways were stirring on the island. But way out at the Dieselworks just outside Vicarstown, inside the diesels' sheds, there was quite another matter going on. All the shed doors were open to let in the moon and stars, but someone was hatching a plan of their own. None other than Diesel. He had been shut up in his shed since the day before for tricking Bernie into following David's supposed orders, resulting in a serious mix-up on Bernie's account as to who was giving him orders or not. Diesel was indeed angry to have been caught in the act, even without Bernie reporting him himself.

"The Fat Controller can't shut me away this easily," Diesel whispered very lowly to himself. "He thinks I'm just a pesky little bug to step on all the time! I should think not!"

And indeed, Diesel thought not of being a bug at all. In spite of his position right now, Diesel did not feel he was quite done with Bernie yet. From what little he had experienced with Bernie, Diesel wondered if he could yet do something else…to make it up to Bernie for his little trick, and paint the image that he'd be helping Bernie out of his current pickle, then see what results would come of that. After he had been caught by David and the Fat Controller for his little trick, Diesel knew he couldn't fool around with Bernie anymore. Whatever approach he would make on Bernie now would have to be more convincing, all depending on how Bernie would take it with such a limited mind.

"Oh, yes…that would do very lovely…" Diesel whispered as he knitted his little plan together. "Do it quietly, and no fuss…yet."

Wanting absolutely nobody on his radar now, Diesel looked to one side of the sheds. Den and Dart were asleep. He looked to the other side. Paxton and Norman were asleep too. Then he looked back as far into the Dieselworks as he could. Mavis and Sidney were asleep too. Now was Diesel's chance.

"Lovely…I'll just slip out in the wee hours of the morning and be back before the day starts. They shan't notice I ever left."

And so, very, very quietly, Diesel moved cautiously forward, out of his berth and into the moonlight. He looked back and saw that none of the diesels stirred in the least, exactly as he had hoped. He wheeled a few yards further, out into the open air. Still, nothing happened. He crawled along carefully until he was a great deal away from the Dieselworks. Then just as he made it outside the grounds, he scurried away into the night.

For quite a while, Diesel ran swiftly, but quietly all along the line through the dark and dead of night, weaving through Crovan's Gate, Kellsthorpe Road, Cronk and Maron. Then as he approached Wellsworth, he looked around, and suddenly saw Edward and Philip asleep in their shed together. Diesel gasped quietly and went a little faster…but he didn't see Edward open his eyes ever-so slightly, and catch just a little glimpse of who had gone by. Edward then almost went back to sleep, but then suddenly felt that something was wrong. He too had heard some of the ongoing progress between David and Bernie, not sure how it would all turn out himself…and he further knew about Diesel's part in Bernie's mix-up just the other day…and that he should have been kept in his shed until further notice, yet here he was roaming loose.

Edward then decided he couldn't let this slide. He had to follow Diesel's trail and see just what was going on. He looked at Philip, who was sound asleep, and completely undisturbed. He was so sound asleep, nothing would wake him up.

"Don't worry, Philip. I'll be back," Edward whispered very-so quietly.

Then Edward slipped out of the sheds and followed Diesel's trail through the dark. He passed through Crosby, Knapford and Tidmouth, then just as he turned a corner near Haultraugh, he looked ahead and could see Diesel's tail lamp far ahead of him, surely bound for Arlesburgh. Edward kept his distance so as not to give himself away as both engines rolled on through the dark of night.

Then sure enough, as the town clock showed 4:30 a.m., Diesel arrived at Arlesburgh and crept quietly through the village, taking great care not to be noticed, and completely unaware of who was following some ways behind him. Soon, Diesel rolled along to the pier where Cap'n Calles' ship and the Sea Emperor both stood. Edward held well back and out of sight to survey the scene. Diesel came up alongside the Sea Emperor, then stopped with a little grin. He had his little plan all worked out. He cleared his throat, then called softly.

"Bernie? Hey, Bernie! Mr. Bernie?" But there was no answer. Then Diesel tweaked his grin bigger. "Oh, I know…"

Then suddenly, Diesel started making another series of noise, albeit quietly so as not to attract too much attention. Below decks on the Sea Emperor, Bernie had not been sleeping too soundly. With his mind wrestling as to what would happen next, he kept waking up every few hours, tossing and turning in his hammock…until he suddenly heard a gasp and considerable sobbing from outside. Confused and curious, Bernie left his hammock, got up on deck and looked to the pier. There was Diesel, seemingly crying and lamenting awfully as he was facing out toward the sea. Bernie remembered glimpsing him when the Fat Controller scolded him and sent him back to his shed for his play of tricks, but Bernie still couldn't put it together. As his mind had taken it, he had heard David's voice through all that mix-up, and could not fathom how Diesel could have disguised the voice. All the same, in the given moment, he thought Diesel's apparent sobbing was most distracting from him being able to sleep.

Diesel continued to seemingly cry, weep, wail and sob where he was, until he heard footsteps, then felt a hand smack on his side. He immediately stopped and looked back to see Bernie looking a little bleary-eyed, tired and irritable.

"Some of us be trying to sleep onboard, you know!" Bernie spoke a little crankily.

Diesel immediately worked in his plan.

"Please, go right ahead, hand me over to Fat Controller and have him scrap me! You'd be doing me a favor!"

"Uhh…what the jolly-bobby do you mean by that?" Bernie asked, clearly clueless to Diesel's sarcastic meaning.

Diesel then sniffled hard and gathered himself together.

"Oh, pay no attention to me. I'm just feeling so kicked upon, ordered around and bossed around…just like you…Bernie."

"Me? Uhh…" Bernie puzzled. "But…how can an engine be kicked upon and bossed just like me? You don't pot lobsters, or gather rubbish or jump into the sea…uhh…do you?"

Diesel was most put out by Bernie's most limited knowledge and shook left and right in response.

"Huh, this lad is priceless," he sighed to himself. "Tell me, shorty, does any of this sound familiar? 'Fetch the lobsters all back! Get back to work!' And then not even five seconds later, 'Bernie. Just exactly what do you think you are doing'?"

"Uhh…what do you mean by all that?" Bernie asked.

"I-I can't drill through the wood," Diesel said to himself, then to Bernie again. "That hot-head David set you up yesterday, remember? He played you like a harp, and he still is!"

"But…uhh…I'm not a harp," said Bernie. "Besides, harps sound so lovely when they're played, see?"

"Okay, now it's getting sad," Diesel droned, rolling his eyes. "Maybe this will clear things up: Yesterday, that captain was truly whipping you around with all his double-crossing orders, wasn't he?"

"Uhh…right," said Bernie. "Yes. I think I might have seen you getting shouted down on…after I heard the Captain play those tricks on me with all them orders. The big, round manager with the top hat said it was all you…but…but…"

"Yes? But?" said Diesel.

"But…but that was the captain's voice!" Bernie insisted. "I heard what I heard! And they say you did it! How could you have done all that?"

"Ohh, of course you wouldn't figure that out," Diesel lied. "They all said I underhanded the captain, but the truth is, that David Rider was only pinning it all on me. I assure you; he and the Fat Controller blamed it on me just to keep you slaving away through all that work. Again, just like me!"

"But…how? How is it just like me for you?" Bernie asked.

Diesel finally decided to put forth the main recipe for his plan.

"First of all…I'm Diesel, of course. And all I ever wanted was to be really useful on this harsh island. That's what all we engines, even steamies, I must admit, strive for! But DAMN it all! The Fat Controller always throws me under the bridge when I make even the smallest mistake! This never would have been who I am if that unholy Great Western Engine Duck wasn't so trapped in his Great Western Ways, he didn't even tell me how to manage those trucks! That one vital error he willingly committed is what ensnared me into this whole life of being resented and ostracized in the first place! And so, here I am; Stuck on this absurd Railway! Now…my diesel's intuition tells me you feel thrown under the bridge as well?"

"Uhh…yeah. I guess," said Bernie. "That captain only ever orders me around and harps on me if I make even the tiniest mistake, no thanks to all these gossiping ladies, that piggish tailor, and even some of these blimey engines picking on me Mum and-"

"Ohh, you don't have to explain to me," said Diesel. "I know how it feels to be misjudged. Why, it's been happening to me ever since I first ever came here. So many years have gone by, and what thanks to I get for my services? Sent packing and sent home in disgrace on too many occasions, rushing Jobi-wood to the Search and Rescue Centre and almost falling off the bridge, and even being called smelly and old by Emily herself, all while I kept trying to tell her I shunted more trucks in one day than any other diesel, but she wouldn't bother to listen!"

"Oh. Uhh…Really? Wow…" Bernie noted. "I…I never thought of that…"

"That's right. And you, you poor lad," said Diesel. "Perhaps I can be of some help to you, Bernie. As I've heard, so many around you look down on you, laugh at you and mock you like an ugly duckling. They see only that you're meek, simple-minded and, do excuse me…a little pathetic, in their eyes, that is. But you see, Bernie…I don't think you're an ugly duckling at all. I truly think you have a gift to be bold, confident…and tough. You just haven't had the real chance yet."

"Not tough?" Bernie suddenly asked. "But…I protected Ms. Lola from those big bad men. Is that not…?"

"Oh, pardon me," said Diesel. "I meant to say tough with words and holding your ground…against the captain."

"But…I can't do that," said Bernie. "It be probation's orders."

"Perhaps so. But really, what other choice do you have?" Diesel inquired. "You must be getting annoyed and impatient with Rider pushing you around so much, and he punishes not just those who pull you down…but he punishes you too…even when you don't start the incident?"

"Mmm…Yeah. You might be right, Diesel," said Bernie. "He offers me to be really useful back in that prison, and all he does now is order me around and even when I never did anything to them in the first place, he punishes me too! Not just those who always get cheeky with me!"

"Yes, yes, I totally understand," oiled Diesel. "But perhaps this all happens because no one expects you to be so bold. You'd probably surprise the captain and many others a great deal if you…stand up for yourself."

Bernie heard Diesel and suddenly remembered one of his talks with Lola.

"Stand up for myself…hmm…" he thought. "Well, Ms. Lola did ask when I would start doing that…"

"Ohh, Ms. Lola suggested that herself, did she?" Diesel noted.

"But how can I with me probation and all these rules…"

"Ohh, perish the probation, Bernie," said Diesel. "THAT'S what's holding you back. It's taking away your chance to be bold…or so the terms might suggest. As for Ms. Lola, well, she's perfectly right to suggest that very advice to you, and I echo her advice myself. Take it from me, Bernie: The next time that captain gets pushy with you…don't hesitate to push back. Don't just huddle down and meekly take orders while he rules you over. Show some backbone. Resistance per say. And…if you're lucky…you might even be able to leave David behind at the right place at the right time. Of course, that's all on you to figure out."

Bernie looked to Diesel and didn't know what to make of this. He had agreed to his probation on the basis that a good performance would guarantee him another chance in society, and perhaps be a free man. But for quite some time now, his luck had gone very badly. Ever since he had saved Lola from the alley fight, almost no one seemed to take the good and heroic aspects of those events, and instead harped, doubted and poked at Bernie even harder, with Hetty, Geraldine, Wainwright and James' unsavory words all feeding the flames of doubt, and even David's very strict, suspicious and sometimes overbearing approach was slowly but surely making Bernie feel more and more worthless. As Bernie took this all in, his stress and anger was too strong now for him to think rationally…and so he made a decision with a firm nod to Diesel.

"Well. I suppose…taking all these folks' jabbing on me into mind…you know what, Diesel? Maybe I will do just that. I am getting tired of being pushed around anyway…and for no reward or fortune for any of this rubbish! It's time I fight back! Thanks a bundle, Diesel."

Diesel smirked with triumph and disguised a passing of friendship.

"Oh, you're perfectly welcome, young man. And whatever you do, don't let the others feed your doubt anymore. All you have to do is remember what I said. Now, as soon as you feel that captain pushes you to the absolute point of your limitations…just give him a wee nudge."

Then Diesel winked right at Bernie, who slowly nodded in response. Then Diesel slowly began rolling away, keeping his eye on Bernie as he purred lowly.

"You'll be doing the right thing, lad. I'm your only way to freedom."

And Diesel oiled slowly and quietly away, back up the line and over the bridge, never averting his eyes from Bernie even at such a distance…until he was at last out of sight. On the pier, Bernie stood where he was for some time, utterly stirred in more ways than one before he hurriedly went right back to the Sea Emperor and back into his hammock for the rest of the night.


Some distance from the pier, hidden out of sight, Edward had seen and heard everything. He now knew something was bound to happen with David, Bernie or both. He couldn't say exactly what, but something or other was going to happen today.

"Oh, dear. This is a most unexpected move, even for Diesel," he whispered to himself. "It's much too underhanded to be doing so at this hour of the morning, right after his order to stay in his shed until further notice. And I have passengers to manage first thing in the morning. Word has got to spread somehow."

Edward's driver agreed and glanced toward David's home, then gave a little whisper, to no one in particular.

"Captain Rider, be mindful. Let Bernie make the first move."

And with an uncertain rate in his heartbeat, Edward soon slipped out of Arlesburgh, all the way back to Wellsworth, where Philip was still sound asleep. Edward backed in right beside him and sighed as he went back to sleep. Whatever would come to happen today, he would be inclined to find out, as would many others.

Meanwhile, Diesel oiled swiftly through the night, and finally made his way back to the Dieselworks, just as the very first tiny rays of light were beginning to peak ever-so slightly on the horizons. Seeing that all the diesels were still asleep, Diesel knew none of them had woken up as he ever-so quietly rolled right back into his berth and smiled ever-so thinly, wondering just what this would come to bring.

"Well. I managed to put forth a word to the wise for Bernie after all, and so quietly and secretly, no one will ever suspect. No one else does this better than me."

Then Diesel went back to sleep himself. For the rest of the extremely early morning, the rest of the island slept on, until some hours later, the sun began to rise just around 6:30 a.m. and at Tidmouth Sheds, the engines all woke up to start another day. Thomas was sent to work on his Branch Line, while Emily was sent for some goods deliveries along the Main Line. They both knew David, Bernie and the rest of the crew would soon be awake for another day of Bernie's probation, and would check in on it later. But even in the midst of Bernie's slowly souring progress, there would yet be quite another experience weaved into the coming day between Thomas, Emily, the Fat Controller, and even Ruth, concerning another invention she would bring forth to Sodor's railway industry in just a matter of hours.

The morning progressed slowly and quietly for most of the railway, but then, just around 7:30 a.m. right up along Arlesdale End, was when something unusual happened. Toby was working on his branch line with his faithful coach Henrietta, on his way to work with Mavis at the quarry, when he reached the Rickety Old Bridge. He stopped and looked at it anxiously for a moment.

"Ready, Toby?" Henrietta asked.

"Not really," said Toby.

"Oh, come on, Toby. There's nothing to worry about. That bridge has been here forever."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

Toby was right. The Rickety Old Bridge was very, very old indeed as it crossed over Hackenbeck Stream. Years and years ago one winter, Toby had decided to save some of Farmer McColl's sheep and came across this very bridge. He could still remember how it creaked and groaned under his weight, but as nervous as he had been, he was determined to get across and help the sheep, and so he did. After that, the bridge received very little attention or maintenance besides. Now, years and years later, it seemed even older and much frailer. Toby really didn't want to cross it, but he had to make his way to the quarry to work with Mavis. So he proceeded to cross it anyway. Just as it did all those years ago, the bridge creaked and groaned beneath his wheels, and dust fell away from all ends while Toby trembled and worried all the way with his eyes closed.

"You can open your eyes now," came Henrietta's voice.

Toby opened them and saw he had made it. "Phew! That old bridge gives me the heebie-jeebies."

"Well, take it from me," said Henrietta. "It's as safe as a bridge can be."

Henrietta often spoke that way. With so many years of experience and wisdom with Toby since the beginning, she rarely made much of a fuss about anything. But as coincidence and chance would have it, Henrietta would have spoken quite differently, had she and Toby come along this ravine just a few minutes later than they did…

Meanwhile at Arlesburgh, inside his hammock, Bernie was just waking up as it neared 8:00 a.m. He yawned steadily at first and just began to wonder what sort of trouble the others would give him today, and the trouble he would get into because of it. For a few moments, he felt very vulnerable.

"Ohh, what am I to do?" Bernie said to himself. "I can't just be punished for them things I don't start! It's all them ladies and tailors and…Pah!"

Then Bernie suddenly remembered Diesel's talk with him the night before, and he then started thinking quickly but strongly about all that had happened with him so far, then thought about the terms of his probation, and just what he could do to stand up for himself, and yet mostly steer clear of any of the worst sort of trouble if he could help it.

"Right. Today, I won't be so silly and hobbling about," he said to himself. "Perhaps I can show them I'm not all so pathetic and meek after all."

And right on cue, Bernie heard fast footsteps and looked up with alert. Jordan came striding down the steps and on toward the hammock. He clapped his hands quickly and loudly, ushering Bernie into motion.

"Show a leg, boy!" he demanded.

"Alright, alright. No need to shout," Bernie replied with considerable confidence, and even slight firmness.

"No cheek from you, young man!" Jordan checked strongly. "Yesterday wasn't too pleasing for the captain, and we won't have anymore of your mucking about!"

"Oh, there won't be," Bernie said as he went up the stairs, then smiled to himself with a little thought. "Not quite the same this time round."

Bernie came on deck and saw David waiting for him. He pointed right to the lighthouse and Bernie set off to help Captain Joe and was soon looking out to the sea with him. As Bernie looked out to sea, he suddenly felt as though the next three hours would be perfect opportunity for him to think his plans over in case he felt David and the others would push him too far. So Bernie spent his time looking out to sea…and thinking.

Back on the Main Line, the engines were all working briskly and usefully as it grew to be 8:40, and the sun had fully risen in the sky with a bright, crisp day. At Knapford Station, the Fat Controller was in his office looking over the timetable, when he heard the sound of whirring rotor blades outside. He left the office and hurried along the platform, then looked up.

"Harold? What brings you here?" the Fat Controller called.

"Ohh! Sir Topham! Emergency up at Lower Arlesburgh!" called Harold. "I was flying overhead and saw it all! The Rickety Old Bridge has collapsed! We must warn Toby in case he comes along!"

The Fat Controller suddenly remembered. "The Rickety Old Bridge? Collapsed?! Oh, yes, Harold! I'll find Thomas right away and meet you there!"

Harold flew off through the sky while the Fat Controller rushed to his car and sped along the road to find Thomas.

On his Branch Line, Thomas was working on his own, once again thinking about David and Bernie and what he and Emily would hear about it today. He was just passing through Ffarquhar Station when he suddenly saw Harold fly swiftly overhead. Thomas watched him for a moment, then heard the sound of a car nearby. He looked and saw the Fat Controller rushing along the road beside the line. Thomas watched as he rolled down his window and waved. Thomas slowed down and the Fat Controller got out of his car.

"Thomas! There you are!" he called. "Leave those trucks and follow me to Hackenbeck Stream!"

"Why, sir? What's the hurry?" asked Thomas.

"Harold just told me there's an emergency! The Rickety Old Bridge has collapsed, and we must warn Toby!"

"The Rickety Old Bridge…Cinders and Ashes!" Thomas remembered. "You mean where Toby crossed to save those sheep?"

"Yes, Thomas. That one," said the Fat Controller. "Now hurry! We must go now!"

"What about the trucks?" Thomas asked.

"I'll arrange for Percy to manage them for you," said the Fat Controller. "But right now, we must reach the ravine before Toby does!"

"Right on it, sir!"

Then Thomas and the Fat Controller set off together down the line and the road to scope out the situation.

Not long after, by this time, Toby and Henrietta returned from the quarry, and were approaching the stream again where the bridge would be.

"Ready, Toby?" Henrietta asked again.

"Not really," Toby said again as he shut his eyes. But just as he proceeded toward his crossing point…

"Toby! Stop!" came Harold's voice.

Toby looked and saw Harold fly right up from the ravine. Then Toby suddenly saw what had happened and stopped just before the edge, then looked right down. The bridge had collapsed into shambles down at the bottom. It had to happen sooner or later.

"Oh, my!" Toby exclaimed.

"That was close. You might want to look where you're going next time," said Harold.

"Thanks, Harold," said Toby.

"The bridge is out, but thankfully, all personnel appear safe and calm. Over."

Harold was right. Thomas and the Fat Controller had just arrived at the scene of collapse on the other side.

"Yes, thank you, Harold," called the Fat Controller. "This looks like a job for Rocky. I need you to find Emily and ask her to bring him here."

"Roger that. Over and out!" Harold called as he flew off.

"Don't worry, Toby! We'll have you back in no time!" called the Fat Controller.

"Thank you, sir. We won't be going anywhere!"

Thomas and the Fat Controller looked at the wreckage down below.

"Oh, deary me, Thomas," said the Fat Controller. "That bridge is going to take weeks to repair. We need a miracle of engineering, and fast."

Thomas agreed and thought for a moment. Then he suddenly felt an idea rush to his funnel, remembering how he helped Ruth find a place to live while David and Emily were settling Baz's fate with the Steelworks' help. Now, with Ruth fully settled in with her new workshop, she was the best choice to tackle a new bridge…which would surely mean a most exciting project for Thomas to partake in after focusing so much on Bernie.

"That's it, sir! If anyone can solve this problem, Ruth can!"

The Fat Controller turned around. "Ruth! The Inventor! Of course! We need to tell her about this immediately!"

"Already on my way, sir!" Thomas called as he ran down the bend.

Meanwhile, Emily was working along the Main Line, pulling some empty trucks. As Thomas had been doing, she too was once again thinking about Bernie herself, and what today would probably bring. By now, she really didn't know what to make of his ongoing progress and she began to wish she could focus on something more…when Harold suddenly came whizzing through the air in her direction.

"Emily! I say, Emily!" he called down. "Emergency at Lower Arlesburgh!"

"Oh! Hello, Harold! What's happened?" Emily called back. "Does the line need its No. 12 Safety Engine?"

"Yes, and quick!" said Harold. "The Old Rickety Bridge has collapsed, and we need Rocky to clear the mess! Toby can't get across!"

As per her safety engine instincts, Emily immediately knew just what to do.

"Oh! Right away, Harold! I'll go and fetch Rocky. Maybe my trucks can help take the mess away?"

"Of course! Bring them along too!" called Harold.

So Emily hurried right down the line to reach the Search and Rescue Centre and bring Rocky to the scene herself.

Meanwhile, just along Maithwaite Forest, Ruth was standing outside her beloved workshop. Ever since she had settled in, she had been keeping very busy, and just this morning, she had finished yet another invention, all ready to test it out as the clock was about to strike 9:00 a.m.

"Behold the amazing, astounding rootin-tootin' whistle clock!"

From both window shutters on either side of the clock, three whistles came out and sounded the chimes for the clock. Once, twice, then on the third whistle, there came quite a different tune.

"That doesn't sound right," Ruth wondered. But then she saw who was coming along.

"Quick, Ruth! We've got no time to lose!" Thomas hurried. "There's an emergency at Lower Arlesburgh, and we need your help!"

"Then what are we waiting for?"

And Ruth got onboard Thomas, who whisked her on the way back to Lower Arlesburgh and Hackenbeck Stream.

"How have you been keeping, Thomas?" Ruth asked.

"Quite well, thank you, Ruth," said Thomas. "And so is Emily. She'll be bringing Rocky to clear away the bridge. After that, I don't know what she'll be doing...or what David and Bernie will be on about today…"

Ruth heard what Thomas said and suddenly remembered. "Bernie? You mean Baz and Bernie, Thomas? Who tried to steal my plans?"

"Yes, Ruth. Those very thieves from the Technology Fair," Thomas said surely.

"Who could forget those two? Making off with my plans," Ruth noted. "Well, what's David doing with Bernie?"

"Oh…right. Maybe you haven't heard yet," said Thomas. "Well, since Baz has been locked away in solitary confinement for thirty years by the Court of London, David thought perhaps Bernie can make better of himself, and decided to release him on condition that he abides by his probation."

"Oh. He has, has he?" Ruth noted, not fully impressed. "How long has it been going so far?"

"It's been almost a week now," said Thomas. "And as expected, it's not been going all perfectly. If anything, it's at quite a rocky level now. But don't worry, Ruth. David won't let him anywhere near your inventions."

"I know he won't, Thomas. But…hmm. I don't know," said Ruth. "But let's not bother with that right now. I'm keen to see what I can do about this bridge."

"So am I, Ruth," said Thomas. "After all, you're the best inventor for the job."

Ruth had to chuckle as she and Thomas carried on down the line.

Back at the ravine, Emily had brought Rocky and her trucks to the scene. In no time at all, Rocky got to work hauling the shambles out of the ravine and loading Emily's trucks. The Fat Controller watched the progress and waited for Thomas and Ruth until Rocky finished gathering the last pieces of the bridge and put them in Emily's trucks. The mess was now cleared.

"Thank you, Rocky," said the Fat Controller. "You can take that lot to the Scrap Yard now, Emily."

"Yes, sir."

While Emily whistled and set off again with Rocky, Thomas arrived with Ruth.

"Hello, everyone," she greeted.

Thomas came along the ravine, then stopped. Ruth got down from his cab and took a brief look at the scene. Being the inventor that she was, she already had some ideas weaving up in her mind as to what this ravine needed now.

"So, what do you think, Ruth?" asked the Fat Controller. "Can you build us a new bridge?"

"It's more the question of what type of bridge to build," Ruth replied as she began to draw shapes in the ground. "There's a beam bridge, a peer bridge or a suspension bridge. Those will take too long. What we need is something innovative."

The Fat Controller pondered curiously, just as Thomas started calling out suggestions.

"What about a flying bridge? Or a magnetic bridge? Or a rocket-powered-"

"Not now, Thomas," the Fat Controller checked. "We mustn't get too carried away. Ruth needs time to think."

"But Ruth's amazing, sir," said Thomas. "Inventing is like a walk in the park for her."

Then in that moment of chance and coincidence, Thomas' words clicked with Ruth in such a way, that she knew just what she had to do.

"That's it! Thomas, you're a genius!" she exclaimed and ran back to his cab.

Thomas and the Fat Controller were puzzled.

"I am?"

"He is?"

"Yes! Thomas, I'll need your help, if I may, Sir Topham?" said Ruth.

"Oh! Why, uh…yes, of course! Anything you need," said the Fat Controller.

"Quick, Thomas! To the workshop!"

And Thomas whistled away back down the line, leaving the Fat Controller wondering to himself.

"What just happened?"

Out on the line, Thomas was now even more curious as to what this could all mean, and just what Ruth had in mind to help Toby. When they returned to her workshop, Thomas came out with it.

"So, what do you need, Ruth? Am I to bring you anything for your next invention?"

"Of course, Thomas," said Ruth. "I'll be putting together the plans, and for your part in all this, I'm going to need material. Lots and lots of material. Steel rods, steel tubing, building material, conveyor belts, steel frames and more. You bring me the material, and I'll do the inventing. Deal?"

"It's a deal, Ruth," said Thomas. "How long do you think this will take?"

"It's going to take almost all day, but with your help, it can be done," said Ruth. "Off you go now."

Thomas whistled with excitement as he rushed off down the line to find what he could, while Ruth organized her workbench and started forming blue prints.

Back on the Main Line, Emily had just dropped Rocky off at the Rescue Centre again and delivered the bridge in shambles to Reg at the Scrapyard. While she was making her way back to her goods duties, she suddenly saw Thomas rush down the other line.

"Thomas? What's the hurry?" she called. "How's the bridge?"

"Hello, Emily. Can't stop," he called as he rushed past. "I'm helping Ruth."

Emily heard Thomas and was suddenly curious as she heard him disappear down the line.

"Ruth? Hmm…What could she be doing?" Emily wondered. "Perhaps I could help? It'd be much better than just wondering about Bernie. What do you think, Paul?"

"We'll see, Emily," said her driver. "Your goods for today must be delivered. Perhaps later today, we'll see what we can do."

"Of course, anything to break up our wonders about Bernie would be elementary," said her fireman Declan.

So Emily carried on with her work, now even more curious about Ruth, while Thomas bustled wherever he could to pick up materials and bring them back to the workshop. Over the next few hours, Thomas came and went from the workshop with different loads for Ruth to manage. Steel rods and tubes, along with other things as well. With each delivery, Ruth fine-tuned her blue prints, gathered the material together, then drilled, welded, fastened and bolted her invention together, slowly but surely bringing it to life.


In the meantime, Bernie had been keeping watch in the lighthouse all morning with Captain Joe, until he was due to switch over to lobster potting at 11:00. The whole entire while of looking out to sea, he had been thinking as to what he would say or do if anyone tried to push him around or pick on him…that is until the clock struck 11:00 and Captain Joe turned to Bernie.

"You ought to be getting on with your lobster potting now, Bernie," he said assertively. "Aren't you going? Or not?"

"Yeah. I'm going. No need to press about it," Bernie replied, a little strongly, then went downstairs, leaving Captain Joe curious.

Soon, Bernie was back on the fishing boat with Jordan, Cecco and Adam, potting for lobsters again. At first, Bernie fished diligently, catching three lobsters within half an hour, during which time the clock showed just after 11:30 a.m. But then as Bernie took occasional glances to the three crewmen, he saw them all maintaining a solid, stern look. Almost unwelcoming, and it made Bernie feel nervous. He tried to keep working with the lobsters, but gradually, he started to slow down…and put together a little plan.

"Hmm. Wonder what they'd do if I slow down just a teeny bit," he thought to himself. "Then what I could do in turn?"

And sure enough, just as Bernie finished his thought, Jordan strode forward and banged the boat's railing with his hand.

"Hey, Bernie! The captain didn't release you on probation on the condition you sit around and do nothing! And your trouble yesterday isn't helping your case either! Get back to work!"

Bernie took in what Jordan said, then suddenly turned around to face him.

"Who made YOU boss of me? I was only thinking a little to myself," he said obstinately. "Perhaps if you're really this impatient to fish, why don't YOU catch more lobsters yourself?!"

Jordan looked surprised, then suddenly grabbed Bernie's shoulder and came in closer.

"Listen, you. Are you looking to be really useful, or do you want to make it ten times easier for the captain to judge who you REALLY are?!"

Bernie was frightened to hear such a prospect, but as he thought of what Diesel and even Lola said about standing up, he went on.

"Well, I'll tell you what. I ain't serving this probation to be the carnival target for them ladies and tailors, and even your captain! You think being really useful is easy with all this?"

Cecco and Adam picked up on Bernie's change in approach and thought it best to step in themselves.

"Look, Bernie. We don't know where this rebellious attitude came from," said Cecco. "But we do not like it one little bit, nor will we tolerate it."

Adam nodded and spoke next.

"And if you think for one millisecond that we're going to overlook it and not tell the captain, you have quite a few screws loose in your head!"

"Well, my head ain't made of rivets and bolts, is it?" Bernie replied. "You ought to tell the captain that, won't you?"

"You needn't worry about that," said Jordan. "We'll be telling him a few things alright. Now back to your potting, if you know what's good for you."

Bernie begrudgingly obeyed and went back to potting the lobsters. As he did so, he considered what his little experiment had resulted in just now, and he took fair note of it. He was sure David would have a thing or two to say, but in his bolder and more aggressive line of thought than usual, this was only the first experiment, and he was already knitting together how and when he'd make the next move.

Eventually, the time came to be 1:00, and Bernie was due for lunch again, with ten potted lobsters in all. When the boat docked alongside the pier, all three crewmen watched as Bernie went up the stairs and on toward the ship.

"He'll be in trouble soon," said Jordan. "Making such an approach as that with us."

"The captain won't like the sound of this," said Cecco. "Perhaps a new round of demerit duties might be on the table?"

"Of course, Cecco," said Adam. "Of course, that's for David to decide on. We'd best tell him at once."

And so they did. While Bernie was given his ration and ate on the ship, Jordan, Cecco and Adam found David just outside the village and told him everything. When David heard how Bernie had been behaving, he suddenly became quite suspicious.

"I can't help but notice, boys. Every few days, it's been the same pattern," he grimaced. "Every little while, it looks like he's going to meet our expectations, then he does something to show he can't stay clean. I will attend to the matter immediately."

The three crewmen nodded as David strode briskly toward the Sea Emperor. Onboard, Bernie had just finished his ration when he looked and suddenly saw David coming toward the ship. He got onboard, then strode right up to Bernie, standing tall and looking considerably displeased. Bernie already felt a sense that he had been told about what happened at the fishing boats, but he was also ready to stand his own ground.

"Come on, what's with the frown?" he asked.

David blinked once. "Why did you do it? Why did you say what you said to my crewmen?"

His voice was driven and steadily accusing, but Bernie had an answer ready as he looked right at David.

"Well, Captain. I've been trying my best so far to work through this…probation, and lately, all my reward has been them ladies and tailors picking all on me, and you coming after me for what they started. I thought perhaps I should be a little more confident to stand my own now and again."

David narrowed his eyes. "What…did I tell you…only yesterday…about leaving the ladies' and Wainwright's misdoings to me and me alone?"

"But why, Captain?" Bernie suddenly asked.

David suddenly looked surprised. "What?"

"Why must I leave it all to you, and not let myself show them what I can be? A really useful, but also brave man, not afraid to speak up?"

David shook his head and tightened his lip.

"I grow tired of telling you this, so it will be the last time. Only under normal circumstances would you do such things. But who and what you are right now is NOT a normal circumstance. Your probation is a legal circumstance that you are to hold precisely to at all times if you stand any chance of making better of you can be!"

Bernie hesitated for a moment, then spoke again. "Ms. Lola said it herself. I ought to stand up for myself more than I do. And she's my only friend. The only one who seems to truly understand me."

David took a deep breath as he checked his pocket watch. It read 2:00.

"That being said, for your own sake, you will do EXACTLY as the courts have INSTRUCTED," he enunciated to Bernie. "And that includes your rubbish collecting with Steve. Right. NOW."

Bernie looked and saw Steve waiting, so he got up and made ready to go with him, but not before David took him by the shoulder.

"Mark my words: this is your last warning, Bernie. Stick to your terms of probation, and your terms only!"

Bernie scoffed irritably and went to follow Steve. David watched and now strongly sensed that he'd have to put his foot down soon if this kept on going.

Meanwhile, just outside Wellsworth, Edward was keeping busy with his passengers. After hearing the coincide between Diesel and Bernie way back in the wee hours of the morning, he felt most uneasy as to what would happen today, but with his passengers to look after, he couldn't tell any of the engines very much about it yet. Every time an engine came by, there was no time for Edward to say anything. Then at that moment, Edward heard Thomas' whistle. He looked up and saw him rushing down the other line with some empty flatbeds, still hustling to help Ruth with her new invention.

"Hi, Edward!" Thomas called. "I'm helping Ruth."

"Oh! Thomas!" Edward tried to call out. "I-I think I have to…!"

But Thomas had already rushed on past, then sped out of sight, leaving Edward halted with his words.

"Ohh…it doesn't look good," he said to himself. "I do hope nothing happens to David…or Bernie. Something's going to happen, and I don't know what…"

Further along the line, Emily had finished her goods duties for the day and was quite happy. The trucks had given her little to no trouble, all her deliveries had run to time, and the stationmaster was pleased too.

"Well. That's all done for me," she said. "Job well done, right, Paul?"

"Well done indeed, Emily," her driver said and gave her a gentle pat on her boiler.

"Thanks, Paul," said Emily. Then she suddenly remembered. "Oh! Thomas! He's helping Ruth. Maybe she's put a new invention together! And my work here is done. Please, Paul, may we find Thomas and see if we can help too?"

"Can't see why not. Let's find him," said her driver. And in the next moment, they were off.

Thomas kept on with his work to help Ruth, and was now making his way to Brendam Docks for another load to bring to Ruth. When he arrived, Cranky and Carly worked to load his flatbeds with more material. Then just before Thomas could leave, he heard Emily's whistle, then she came up right alongside him.

"Oh! Hello, Emily," said Thomas. "Is all your work done?"

"Yes, Thomas. All my goods runs are done," said Emily. "And now that I'm all done that, I wanted to see…if I can help you."

"With what?" asked Thomas.

"Ruth's invention, of course," said Emily. "I heard you earlier today, and I've been wondering about it all day. I take it she has something in mind to help Toby."

"She does, Emily," said Thomas. "And I've been bringing load after load to help her."

"Wow! Well, with my work done, please, may I help bring in what Ruth needs?"

"Well, let's take this load together, and we'll tell her," said Thomas.

Emily squeaked with delight and whistled happily as she buffered up to Thomas. Then they set off together with their load. Soon, they arrived at the workshop where Ruth was waiting outside.

"Very good, Thomas. Keep it up and…say, Emily? What are you doing here?"

"Hi, Ruth. Thomas told me you're putting together another invention, to help Toby at the ravine."

"That I am, Emily," said Ruth.

"Yes, Ruth. Emily came by at Brendam Docks, and she was wondering if she could be of any help for this invention. May she help me bring the rest of what you need?"

"Well, of course she can," said Ruth. "I could use her help to finish this special project. Toby will be most surprised, and so will you, by what I've got in mind."

Thomas and Emily both bubbled with wonder, then Ruth gave them further instructions to bring more items to the shop. Both engines whistled merrily and set off down the line, continuing their inventive day together.

Sometime later, back in Arlesburgh, Bernie and Steve had collected most of the rubbish once again with both their bins nearly full. All had gone well with no one giving Bernie any trouble. But just as their rubbish collecting was about to be done and Bernie could move to the next bit of work…there came those two ladies again. Bernie saw them and suddenly felt his bolder side start hitting him again as both women smirked and gestured in his direction.

"There he is again!" chortled Hetty. "It's Stumpy O'Leg McNoleg!"

"Indeed!" laughed Geraldine. "A moron with all the entertainment value of a tap-dancing oyster!"

"Oi!" shouted Bernie. "Unlike you lazy gits, I'm actually doing something useful!"

At that moment, David, Jordan, Cecco and Adam came walking toward the village themselves. Given the current events, they thought it best to look in on Bernie's progress with Steve. But when they arrived and saw both men, they saw just what was happening.

"Oh, just look at him," tittered Geraldine. "Trying so hard to act all bold and manly!"

"Simply pathetic, thinking he's somehow better than us!" agreed Hetty. "His brain is like the four-headed man-eating haddock fish-beast of Aberdeen."

"In what way?"

"It doesn't exist!"

Both ladies burst into another round of haughty laughter. Before Bernie could say or do anything else, someone's hand grabbed his shoulder and spun him around. There was David looking rather cross now. Both ladies hurried away.

"What is your deal, Bernie?!" David asked angrily. "I'm really starting to sense you're not as useful you pledged to be in the court. This has been going on all day with you, and now I really AM wondering if I should keep your probation going much longer!"

Bernie felt another dash of fear, but after what both ladies had said, he decided to hold firm again.

"You know something, captain? Perhaps I'm tired of saying it again and again myself," he said strongly. "It's called standing up for myself! So what if I'm on probation?! If I don't stand up for myself, what am I?! A meek little fool who lets everyone kick on him? Them two ladies, why those-"

David breathed shallowly and shook his head. He was not going to take much more of this now.

"I'm not going to repeat myself too many times further! If you really have your heart set on further labor and demerit duties, I will not hesitate to oblige! I'm off to speak with the Harbour Manager right now and see what work we have to do next. Including you! Perhaps his offer of extra duty will teach you a thing or two!"

And David whipped away to find the manager and talk with him, while Bernie clenched his fists and went red in the face. He was reaching the end of his rope, and the time was drawing very, very close for him to enact Diesel's final advice and push back on David…with that wee nudge.

The time was now approaching 4:30, and after a few more journeys to and from the docks, Thomas and Emily came back to the workshop with another load and saw Ruth waiting for them again.

"Here's more materials, Ruth," said Thomas.

"How's the invention coming, Ruth?" Emily asked excitedly. "You've been at it for a few hours now."

"Not quite there, you two. But I'm getting close thanks to your help," said Ruth.

"Well, I can't wait to see what comes out of that workshop," said Thomas.

"Is there anything more that you need, Ruth?" asked Emily. "And if so, where should Thomas and I go to get it?"

"Well, as it happens, there is just one other trip to make," said Ruth. "Something both of you can pick up, so I can finish this project altogether."

"Alright. Where should we go?" asked Thomas.

"I'll need you both to pick up one more load before I can piece everything together for this bridge," said Ruth. "I've placed the order, and there's one more shipment of rivets, gears and frames I'm going to need to piece it all together. But not at Brendam Docks. This shipment is coming in at Arlesburgh Harbour for both of you to pick up. If you can bring that bunch back to me, this new invention will be all ready to put to action. Then we can help bring Toby home."

"Well, alright, then," said Thomas. "We can go at once."

"Ooh, what's it going to be?" Emily bubbled.

"You'll see soon enough," said Ruth. "See you both soon!"

So Emily and Thomas dashed off on their way to collect the final special load for her next invention.

Back in Arlesburgh, while Bernie and the three crewmen waited, David spoke with the Harbour Manager about what had been going on so far. After hearing everything, the Harbour Manager thought a little, and it so happened that some work needed to be done in the deeper parts of the Arlesburgh coast. He told David a few more things, to which David immediately agreed. David came back to his crewmen and Bernie, then told them all what had to be done.

"Gentlemen. The Harbour Manager has some work for us," said David. "We need to place some lines of buoys in the deeper reaches of water. Forming some markers, so to speak. This is clearly going to need teamwork. Jordan, Cecco and Adam, you take the rowboat and place your set of buoys where you will. I'll take the rest of the buoys with Skiff…and I won't be going alone."

All the crewmen nodded, and Bernie nodded too, wondering naively who would be going with David…until he noticed all the crewmen looking directly at him. Bernie turned around to see if there was anyone else about, then suddenly, it was clear. David was going to take him along in Skiff.

"Oh, no…not more extra work. Not fair," he muttered as he made ready with David and his men, and thinking again in secret.

Soon, David and his men were set for work, as was Bernie. Both the rowboat and Skiff were loaded with buoys. Jordan, Cecco and Adam got in the rowboat, David and Bernie got in Skiff, who looked at Bernie most unsurely and even worriedly. Soon, both boats were pushed off away from the pier, and out toward the deeper parts of the bay. Soon, the crewmen would start placing the buoys where they would. But none of the men had any idea of what lay in wait beneath those waves in just a little window of time. Thomas and Emily would be along soon to collect the shipment due to arrive soon, but little did they know either of just what else they would see with their own eyes. In just a couple hours' time, maybe even less than that, a most shocking and frightful thing was about to happen, both to David and Bernie. And on the other side of this most heart-slamming event that would soon happen, David would very briefly become a very different person, and this was bound to spawn whole new world of ruin and downward spiral for Bernie, as the tides were going to turn very soon…and in a very, very unnatural way…against him. This simple-minded thief truly had no idea of the serious error he was about to put forth…or its consequences on him.


Again, enjoy this while you can because this is the last time Diesel will be up to his old scheming antics, with a little insight to Diesel's future revelation in "The Melancholy of Diesel" in his talk with Bernie. And yeah, we used this chapter as an excuse to adapt "The Inventor's Spectacular Bridge", just for the sake of giving Thomas and Emily something else to do. Next chapter will also be a nod to one of our previous stories, and Bernie is just digging a deeper hole for himself. Until then, tell us what you thought of this chapter, and as always, stay safe.