Fears
Written by Jonathan Downs, Rachel Ravens and Zack Wanzer
Warning: The following story contains mentions Adolf Hitler, the Nazi regime, explosions and death.
It had been a few months since the horrific attack on Bigg City Port and the murder of Zug; we were still recovering from the shock of these events. Peeper Pipes and his team kept an eye out for any trouble. Because Burke, Blair and Mr. Broke were suspects in Zug's murder, they were now missing in action. Heh, I'm willing to bet those cowards were trying to avoid detection.
Captain Lucky arranged counseling sessions for everyone who was affected by that tragic day. Even Captain Zero, Mr. Lloyd and I sought counseling. Of course, Captain Lucky was still dealing with her own trauma at losing both her parents in the attack. She too sought her own therapy sessions with Finbar, who had recently taken lessons in counseling himself.
Interestingly, Zak and Zeus were acting unusually quiet about this. Zorran couldn't help but feel suspicious. I don't blame him either since Zak and Zeus didn't show up after the Z-Stacks alerted us to Zug's disappearance.
Meanwhile, there was the issue of Captain Zero, Mr. Lloyd and I finding other tugs, another submarine and another engine to cover Top Hat, Zug, Zilly and Kirke's duties. Captain Lucky proved to be a big help with finding someone to do Top Hat's work. I was placed with the choice she had made and decided to keep it as a surprise for my tugs as it would cheer us up immensely.
Mr. Lloyd made arrangements with the Indian Valley Railroad in Wisconsin to loan one of their engines to fill in for Kirke. As for Zug and Zilly's replacements, well, Captain Zero didn't find any replacements – rather, the replacements found him…
Zorran was heading back to the Zero Dock. Captain Zero had finished his counseling session and was heading back with him.
"I appreciate the lift, Zorran," Captain Zero said gratefully.
"No problem, sir," replied Zorran. "How was the session?"
"Captain Lucky and I have made a good start," explained Captain Zero. "It will take a few more sessions, but…"
"Nah, I understand," Zorran said sympathetically. "Zilly was really brave, and poor Zug… Ugh, I hope Peeper Pipes and his team catch his killers soon."
"So do I," agreed Captain Zero. "Then Zug can rest in peace."
Zorran then noticed something as they approached the Zero Dock. "Say," he asked, "did you get another switcher and submarine already?"
"Err… no," replied Captain Zero. "Why do you ask?"
"You might want to take a look," said Zorran darkly.
Captain Zero looked and his face turned into a scowl. There, waiting at the Zero Dock was a German U-Boat painted light grey, and next to him was a switcher who was painted white and had curly red hair with a tiara on top. Both were all too familiar.
"Is this some kind of joke?!" exclaimed Captain Zero angrily.
"Well, if it is, it's a cruel, sick one," growled Zorran. It was at that moment the other Z-Stacks came in.
"Zorran, Captain Zero, how did…" began Zebedee, before noticing the U-Boat and switcher. "Huh?! What in the name of King Neptune?!"
Zak and Zeus secretly smirked at each other whilst Zip gasped in horror.
"I don't believe it!" snapped Zob. "Hans! Corona! What are you two doing here?"
"Oh, we heard some horrible news about your fleet members," replied Corona innocently.
"And ve decided to come as quickly as ve could to help," said Hans.
"Really?" Zorran asked suspiciously. "Where did you hear about Zug and Zilly's deaths? If I recall correctly, Hans, you and your partner Otto were put in dry dock for that stunt you tried to pull with Admiral Cardona's ships."
"Not to mention how you two tried to destroy the SS Clearwater and almost killed Captain Star," added Captain Zero as he stepped off Zorran's deck.
"And as for you, Corona, you have been unwelcome around here ever since you and those three tugs named after poisonous plants tried to murder Sunshine," put in Zob.
"That's a very good point, Zob," agreed Captain Zero before turning to the two vessels. "There is no way I would ever let murderous vessels like you in my fleet, and Captain Star certainly would never let you two in his."
"Calm down, everyone," insisted Corona. "Have you heard of the term 'turning a new leaf'?"
"What do you think Zorran, Zebedee, Zug, Captain Zero and I had been doing for the past few years?" sneered Zip. "And even then, we never once resorted to murder."
"Although, admittingly, I once threatened Zeus with scrap and almost had Zebedee scrapped until Peeper Pies reminded me of the law, neither of which I'm proud of," said Captain Zero. Dear Neptune, I was a real jerk back then, he thought to himself. "Give me one good reason why I should let you two stay," he said to Hans and Corona.
"I have come to realise just how awful Hitler is and even defected from Germany," replied Hans.
"Yeah, and I regret what I tried to do Sunshine," said Corona. "She deserves her place in the Star Fleet. I wasted my place there the moment I tried to go through with that awful idea. Besides, it might be difficult trying to get another switcher and submarine in these conditions."
"I'd have preferred it if Zion had come instead of Corona," Zip muttered to herself. Then she turned to Captain Zero. "As much as I hate to admit, sir, they do make a good point," she said.
"Yeah, I mean, look at Pearl Harbour," agreed Zebedee. "There were a lot of vessels that were destroyed in the attack."
"Plus, submarines don't come cheaply, especially since the Navy needs them for any U-Boat attacks," said Zob.
"Well then, maybe we should give them a chance," said Zorran, "but Zebedee, Zip, Zob and I will have to keep a close eye on them."
Captain Zero took a moment to recompose himself. He didn't want these two in his fleet after they tried to kill me and Sunshine. But he did need some help. Plus, Corona did make a good point with Zorran, Zebedee, Zip and Zob. At last, he made his decision.
"Well," he said calmly, but sternly, "we are going to need all the help we can get in these tough times, and if you two are the only ones who can help, so be it. For now, I'll reserve judgment. We'll see if you two really changed for the better."
"Right, I'd better go and warn the Stars about this," said Zorran, turning for the Star Dock.
"Good thinking, Zorran," said Captain Zero.
"I'd better be off as well," said Zob. "The engine from the Indian Valley is arriving this afternoon and I've got to collect her."
Whilst all that was going on, I was addressing my remaining Stars.
"As you know, since… Top Hat's death…" I wiped a tear from my eye, "…we've been down a tug," I said. "Fortunately, Captain Lucky has arranged for another tug, but she's asked me not to tell you who the tug is as we both want it to be a surprise."
Then, a hooter sounded out, and as the tugs and Grampus looked ahead, for the first time in months, their faces showed genuine smiles (not the sad smiles or brave faces they had been trying to put on). Ten Cents' face in particular lit up like a Christmas tree. There, coming towards them, was Ariel. Just a friendly face was enough to cheer them up, and seeing my tugs' joyous faces again cheered me up as well.
"Hello, Ariel," I greeted. "It's wonderful to have you back."
"Greetings, Captain Star," replied Ariel. "Hello, Star tugs."
"Welcome back to Bigg City, Ariel," greeted O.J..
"Thank you, O.J.," replied Ariel before her face fell. "And… I'm sorry to hear about Top Hat as well as your mother, Captain Star. I was working in Atlantic City when Captain Lucky came up on business and told me what had happened. She told me about her parents too."
"Thank you, Ariel," said Sunshine. "Did she tell you about Zug, Zilly, Kirke and Sally as well?"
"Oh… yes, she did," said Ariel sadly. "Top Hat, Zilly, Kirke and Sally were incredibly brave. But poor Zug… he didn't deserve that!"
"No, he didn't," said Warrior. "Neither did Captain Star's mother, Captain Lucky's parents or Mr. Krieger."
"Could you tell Lord Stinker and Jack I'm sorry for their loss as well?" asked Ariel.
"Sure," replied Warrior.
"As for Zug, we have a few suspects in mind – Burke, Blair and Mr. Broke," said Ten Cents darkly. "For this reason, Captain Lucky's had given the five of them a funeral service and subsequent scrapping herself."
"Oh… that must have been difficult for her," gasped Ariel. "Captain Lucky would never dream of scrapping a boat, plane, sub or engine."
"It was hard for her, m'dear," agreed Hercules. "But… she managed to get through it. Hopefully, she won't have to do it again."
"At least it gave our friends the proper sendoff," said Grampus. "Hopefully their journeys to the Moonlight Oceans and Great Railway were pleasant ones."
"I hope so too," agreed Ariel. "Now, I might not have been designed for the work Top Hat did… but I will do my best to help."
"We appreciate your help, Ariel," I replied. "My deepest thanks."
Just then, Zorran came over from the Zero Dock.
"Zorran, it's good to see you," called Ariel.
"Oh, hello, Ariel," greeted Zorran. "I take it you're here to… err… help out after Top Hat's… death."
"Yes, Zorran…" replied Ariel. "I heard about Zug and Zilly. My condolences to you, the other Z-Stacks and Captain Zero."
"Thank you, Ariel," replied Zorran, before remembering why he had come. "Listen, Stars; I have good news and some bad news as well."
"Ah'm guessin' the good news is that a switcher and submarine have come to help out after Zug and Zilly's deaths," guessed Sunshine.
"Yes, but the bad news is that you and Hercules have a history with them," replied Zorran.
"Who… oh no," groaned Hercules. "Hans and Otto are back?"
"Hans, yes," said Zorran. "Otto, no."
"Then who would…" began Sunshine, before her eyes widened in horror. "Oh, Moonlight Oceans above! Not Corona!"
"I'm afraid so," sighed Zorran. "They said they've changed, but… I'm not buying it. And before you go blaming Captain Zero for this, don't! He was at a counseling session with Captain Lucky."
"I can't blame him for seeing Captain Lucky, given what's happened," I sighed. "And I wouldn't believe for a second he'd invite them in, especially given that it would be one reminder too many of how he used to act."
"But if Captain Zero didn't hire them, and if Captain Lucky didn't send them… who did?" asked Big Mac.
"I don't know." Ariel said quietly. Then she heard whimpering. "Are you alright, Sunshine?"
"N-no! Ah'm terrified!" cried Sunshine. "What if Nightshade, Oleander and Foxglove show up too?!"
"I don't blame you for being scared," sighed Ariel. "Ten Cents told Penny and me what she and those other three tugs tried to do to you."
"Neither can I," agreed O.J., "given my own near Final Firing at the hands of Burke, Blair and Mr. Broke, although that was more of an accident on Zip, Zug and Zilly's part and they wanted to correct their mistake. But Zak and Zeus had other ideas."
"Dae ye suppose they were behind Corona 'n' Hans' arrival?" suggested Big Mac.
"Well, I couldn't help but notice they didn't say anything to object to Corona and Hans' arrival," Zorran said thoughtfully.
"Maybe that's where they heard it from," said Grampus.
"But they'd need a person to 'help' them," said Zorran. "Maybe Mr. Broke. It's possible."
"Do you think Zak, Zeus, Corona and Hans had a hand in Zug's untimely death as well?" asked Ten Cents.
"I hate to say it, little brother," sighed Hercules, "but it sounds too big to be a coincidence."
"Plus Zak and Zeus did threaten Zug, Zip and Zilly with an 'accidental' Final Firing," agreed Grampus.
"Well then, I'd better ask Peeper Pipes and his team to keep a lookout for anything suspicious," said Zorran.
"That's a good idea, Zorran," I replied, "and thank you for warning us about Hans and Corona."
"I'll go and alert the Salvage Team about this," said O.J.. "They used to be on good terms with Corona until she tried to kill Sunshine and Stormy captured Hans' partner Otto during the spy incident."
"Tell them I said hi," called Ariel.
"Will do," replied O.J. as he moved off.
"Sunshine, I think you'd better go and see Captain Lucky," I said. "This has been a shock for you."
"Yes, Captain Star," replied Sunshine. "Thank you, Captain Star."
"Oh, Hans and Corona have returned?" growled Hercules. "I am shocked, Sunshine, shocked."
"Maybe you should see Captain Lucky as well," suggested Sunshine.
"No, I am too angry," replied Hercules. "Maybe I will when I calm down, sir."
"Okay, Hercules," I said. "Ten Cents, can you take Ariel to the Railhead?"
"Right, sir," replied Ten Cents. As he and Ariel set off, he thought to himself. Maybe I should see Captain Lucky about my fears of explosions. Hercules is a supportive brother, but he can't always be there for me, and Sunshine… well, she's got her own worries right now. True, there's Ariel, but she lives in a different state and if something happened to her, I'd never forgive myself.
Zob arrived at the Railhead with a small tender engine. She was painted in a two-tone blue livery with yellow lining, the letters IVRR on her tender and the number 91 on her cab. She had four large drive wheels, two smaller wheels at the front and a friendly smile on her face.
"Engines," said Mr. Lloyd, "I'd like to introduce you to Tillie. She has come from the Indian Valley Railroad to… to fill in for Kirke's duties while the war is still ongoing."
"Hello, Tillie, nice to meet you. I'm Puffa," called the tender-tank engine.
"I'm Little Owl," the number two engine said quietly.
"My name's Porter," said the number three engine, "and this is my sister Henney."
"Hello," said Henney.
"I'm Alexandria," said the cab-forward engine, "but you can call me Lexi."
"I'm Maeve," the gypsy engine said, "and this is Placido. He's a Climax Class C engine."
"Eeyup," replied Placido.
"Nice to meet you all," greeted Tillie as Porter helped her off the car float. "I'm sorry to hear about Kirke."
"Thank you," replied Porter. "He was really brave."
"Oh no," gasped Maeve. "I've just realised something. Tillie came from the same railroad as Top Hat… didn't she?"
"Oh, that," replied Tillie sadly. "It's alright, Maeve. I know he's gone."
"You do?" asked Puffa.
"Yes," replied Tillie with a small tear dripping from her eye. "Mr. Lloyd told my owner what had happened, and he informed me and Jebediah about it. We were both heartbroken but also glad that he had also died a hero."
"As did Sally and Zilly," agreed Zob. "Zug, on the other hand, did not deserve his fate."
"Who could have done that to that poor switcher?" asked Tillie.
"Well, I've not told anyone else," replied Placido, "but I think there may be a connection between Zug's death and the attack."
"You mean… Zug's disappearance was a distraction?!" Lexi asked angrily.
"It's only a theory," said Placido, "but it's strange that Zug disappeared on the same day we were invaded."
"I think you might be onto something, Placido," agreed Mr. Lloyd. "I'll have to ask the Coast Guard to look into that."
It was at the moment that they heard two more hooters.
"That sounds like Ten Cents," said Porter. "And… no way. Is that… ?"
"Hello, engines, Mr. Lloyd, Zob," said the green harbour tug.
"Ariel!" exclaimed Mr. Lloyd. "It's good to see you again."
"Are you here to… cover… for Top Hat?" asked Henney.
"I am, Henney," replied Ariel. "Oh, and I'm sorry to hear about Kirke. He was a brave engine."
"As was Top Hat," replied Tillie. "I'm Tillie, by the way. I'm on loan for the Indian Valley Railroad to… fill in for Kirke."
"Pleased to meet you, Tillie," Ten Cents said. "I'm Ten Cents."
"Pleased to meet you, too," said Tillie, "and you share my condolences."
"Thanks, Tillie," replied Ten Cents.
"Since we're making introductions," said Puffa. "Ariel, let me introduce you to Lexi, Placido and Maeve. They're on loan from the Pine Hollow Lumber Company in Oregon."
"Nice to meet you, Ariel," said Maeve.
"Same here," smiled Ariel. "Oh, and Zob, I'm sorry to hear about Zug and Zilly."
"Thank you," said Zob. "If you need any advice on car floats, just ask."
"Thanks, Zob," replied Ariel.
"And speaking of Zug and Zilly," said Zob, "I need you to warn that Hans and Corona have returned."
"You're joking me!" gasped Mr. Lloyd. "Those monsters?!"
"Is something wrong?" asked Tillie.
"Well, Hans is a German U-Boat who tried to bomb the SS Clearwater whilst Captain Star was on board," explained Zob, "and later tried to spy on Admiral Cardona's ships."
"As for Corona," said Ten Cents darkly, "she tried to murder my best friend Sunshine. Apparently, Sunshine and Corona used to be best friends when Sunshine lived up river and Corona was going to be our number seven, but Sunshine ended up being bought by Captain Star instead."
"Sunshine's owner was dying from cancer," explained Puffa, "and she was in danger of being scrapped."
"Oh! That's horrible!" gasped Tillie.
"It is," Henney said sadly.
"Not only that, but O.J. suggested it to Captain Star as a way of apology after he, Big Mac, Top Hat and Warrior wrongly blamed her for crashing in the Duchess' rudder," explained Zob, "when really, it was Zak who hit Sunshine. That incident was the reason I joined the Z-Stacks: to help set a better example."
"But there's one other factor in Sunshine being bought instead of Corona," said Ariel. "She and Ten Cents instantly clicked the moment they met to the point where Ten Cents still had faith in her and went looking for her when she went missing. But Corona, who had an abusive owner, never forgave Sunshine for that."
"Eeyup," sighed Placido. "We had previously been on loan before that incident with Corona happened, but from what Puffa told us, Corona hired three other tugs to kidnap Sunshine and give her a forced Final Firing, but Ten Cents and Moonlight found her and brought her back to the Star Dock before they got back."
"Well, Zip, Zug, Pisces, Scorpio and Misty helped by capturing Corona and her lackeys," said Ten Cents, "and Ember fetched the Coast Guard team. After the incident, Sunshine cut off ties with Corona and called me her true best friend."
"And it's no wonder with how kind you are," Ariel said sweetly, making Ten Cents blush.
"I'll be careful around them," said Tillie. "Oh, and Zob, I'm sorry about Zug and Zilly as well."
"Thank you," replied Zob.
"But who are Pisces, Scorpio, Misty and Ember?" asked Tillie.
"They're part of the Salvage Fleet from Up River," replied Ten Cents.
"Ah, I see," said Tillie.
"Sunshine is seeing Captain Lucky right now," said Ten Cents, "and I'm going to see her at some point to discuss my own fears."
"You mean the explosion that almost killed you?" asked Lexi.
"That's the one," sighed Ten Cents. "I'm grateful for Hercules looking after me during the attack, but…"
"Say no more, Ten Cents," said Ariel. "That's a good idea to talk about your fears."
Sunshine was just finishing her counseling session with Captain Lucky.
"Rest assured, dearie," said Captain Lucky, "that the rest of the Star Fleet, the Salvage Fleet, Captain Star and I will be there if you feel worried at all."
"Thanks, Captain Lucky," Sunshine said with relief. "Ah'd better get back to the Star Dock."
"I'll let Captain Star know you're on your way back," said Captain Lucky. "Ten Cents should be coming here soon for his own counseling session."
"Regarding his fear of explosions?" asked Sunshine.
"That's right," replied Captain Lucky.
"Okay, well, thank you, Captain Lucky," called Sunshine as she left. "See you soon."
A few minutes later, Ten Cents arrived at Lucky's.
"Good afternoon, Ten Cents," greeted Captain Lucky.
"Good afternoon, Captain Lucky," greeted Ten Cents. "Thank you for agreeing to see me."
"My pleasure," replied Captain Lucky. "How are you feeling today?"
"Well, I'm pleased that Ariel has come back. Thank you for arranging it," smiled Ten Cents before his face fell. "But I'm also worried for Sunshine."
"I don't blame you," sighed Captain Lucky. "The poor dear was shaken up when she arrived earlier, but she's feeling a bit better now."
"That's good," said Ten Cents.
"Now then, dearie," said Captain Lucky. "I understand you want to talk about your fear of explosions."
"I do," sighed Ten Cents. "Hercules rushed me to that warehouse as soon as that air raid siren sent me into a panic. I'm grateful for that, but what if next time he isn't there?"
"That's understandable," said Captain Lucky. "I recall that during the White Fleet incident you and Sunshine saw the galleon bob up to the surface. Then there was that freak show which all caused sorts of lightning and explosions and it sent you in shock."
"That's why Hercules rushed me to that warehouse when he did," replied Ten Cents. "So he could comfort me during the invasion. It was also where we found Zug and the empty barrel."
"Well, your fear of explosions is understandable," replied Captain Lucky. "Such a traumatic experience can affect people in different ways. Take Zob, for example – the Dunkirk-Flanders disaster had a massive effect on him since he was unable to get my dear husband to a doctor in time. That's why he became grumpy and reserved. Then, there were those two engines – 5027 started acting cocky as a mask for her trauma, and Francis became extremely bitter as a result. Five years ago, Andrea and I were on holiday in the North East of England and we saw that he had become a toxic influence on two NER Class H tank engines, now reclassified LNER Class Y7s, named Barnaby and Daryl."
"Oh my!" gasped Ten Cents.
"Indeed," sighed Captain Lucky. "I fear those three are going to end up doing unspeakable things in the future. You, on the other hand, are doing the right thing by talking about your trauma. So, let's discuss ideas on trying to cope with your fears, shall we?"
Zip had overheard the conversation and was deep in thought.
Zob was quite brave to open up about his past, wasn't he? she thought to herself. Maybe I should ask him to help me become a braver tug. With this war, we're all going to need to be brave.
I decided to have Sunshine work with the Salvage Fleet for a few days to help her recover from her shock. Needless to say, they were not pleased with the news O.J. had given them.
"I don't believe it!" snapped Scorpio. "That little brat has some nerve showing her face around Bigg City after she tried to do to Sunshine!"
"And Hans as well," said Stormy bitterly.
"It's Corona Ah'm worried about," said Sunshine. "If she's back, what's to stop the Poison Plant trio from coming back?"
"Don't worry, sis," assured Moonlight. "If Corona tries anything, I'll make sure Peeper Pipes deals with her. It's what he and the other Coast Guard vessels are here for."
"Moonlight's right," assured Pisces. "We'll protect you from harm, Sunshine."
"Thanks, Pisces," Sunshine said gratefully. Although they weren't built at the same works, Sunshine had always seen Pisces as a big sister figure and she certainly needed that right now.
Just then, they heard Billy Shoepack approaching them.
"Hello, Sunshine," he said. "What brings you up this way?"
"Oh, hi, Billy," said Sunshine. "Ah'm working up here for a few days." Then, she quickly explained about Corona.
"Oh, my!" gulped Billy. "Well, if you need any help, I'm here for you."
"Thanks, Billy," said Sunshine gratefully.
Later, Zip was talking to Zob at the waterworks.
"So you want me to help you become braver," said Zob thoughtfully. "That would certainly make sense, given these current times. So, what causes you to become scared?"
"It's the unexpected that frightens me," explained Zip. "When Zug and I encountered Flotsam and Jetsam, we were just freaked out by their large green eyes. That's also why we were afraid of the White Fleet. They looked similar to Flotsam and Jetsam."
"That's why you thought their ghosts had come back to haunt you," mused Zob.
"And so did Sea Rogue since they had captured O'Malley," replied Zip. "Then there was how cruel Zug, Zak, Zeus, Top Hat and I were to Jimbo since we had never seen a diesel tug. To us, he was a threat, but after he rescued Ten Cents from sinking, Top Hat, Zug and I realised that Jimbo was not a bad tug at all."
"Then there's the matter of Zak and Zeus threatening you, Zug and Zilly with the Final Firing," said Zob. "You three were so scared you didn't tell the Stars about O.J.."
"What kind of tug threatens their colleagues like that?" sighed Zip. "Plus, there was that time Zug, Zebedee, Zilly and I were framed for treason, and when Zug went missing as well as the attack."
"Well, Zip," said Zob, "if I can give you this advice, bravery is not the lack of fear, it's the facing of it. That means feeling the fear, the doubt, the insecurity and deciding that something else is more important."
"That's a good start," said Zip. "Thanks, Zob."
"No problem," replied Zob.
For the next few days, Ten Cents went to see Captain Lucky to get some advice on conquering his fear of explosions. Ten Cents was beginning to feel better for it. He had been concentrating on his breathing whenever he felt stressed and he'd been talking to the others about his fears.
"That's it, Ten Cents," soothed O.J.. "There you go."
"Thanks, O.J.," smiled Ten Cents weakly. "How are you holding up?"
"Decently enough," said the paddle steamer. "I still can't believe we… lost Top Hat for real."
"Y-yeah…" sighed Ten Cents. "He went out bravely… but I cowarded in the old warehouse. Why didn't I help him?"
"Ten Cents," assured O.J., "if you went out there while shell shocked, you'd be as much a danger to others as yourself. Top Hat would have been relieved to know you were safe."
Ten Cents gave a weak smile. "Yeah… you have a point, O.J.."
"Come now," said O.J.. "We'd better find Scuttlebutt Pete before he gossips about us slacking off."
Ten Cents laughed before he and O.J. set off.
Ariel was also doing a good job with the car floats, despite not being built for railway tug work.
"Okay, so I just take these straight across the canal, right?" Ariel asked Porter.
"Correct," he replied. "Just try your best, Ariel."
"Thank you." She tied Eddie and Frank to either side and started to move off.
"Say, Ariel," said Eddie. "We hear you're fond of learning about life on land."
"Oh, I am," she replied. "You must hear a lot of things about that."
"We have," said Frank. "Did you know that this company called Disney rolled out the first animated movie?"
"No," Ariel gasped in surprise. "When did this happen?"
"In 1937," said Eddie. "Something about seven dwarfs."
"Seven?" giggled Ariel. "Ooh, plus my sisters back home, there's seven of us."
"Is one of them Grumpy?" asked Eddie.
"There's no way you'd be that dwarf," added Frank. "You'd be Happy for sure."
Ariel giggled at that. "I think if there was a Disney movie with characters named me and my sisters," she said, "it would more likely be about mermaids."
"Disney's 'The Little Mermaid'?" mused Frank.
"Sounds like a great idea," said Eddie. "You could be the leading role, who knows? There's been a few movies out since that seven dwarf movie."
"Oh, wow," smiled Ariel. "Such as?"
"There is this one that recently came out about a deer…"
On the Dockside Railway, Tillie was resting after her latest train, when Henney came in with a line of freight cars.
"Phew," she panted. "It'll be tough going getting up the hill."
"Well, we can do it together," smiled Tillie. "Come on. I'll bank you up."
"Thanks, Tillie," Henney replied. Tillie buffered up behind and the two set off.
"I think I can, I think I can," Tillie hummed to herself.
"Heh, no wonder Top Hat said you were nicknamed 'The Little Engine That Could'," giggled Henney. "Kirke would have loved to have met you."
"And I wish I could have met him too," replied Tillie.
As for Hans and Corona, they were surprisingly well-behaved, but we still didn't trust them.
Zob kept giving Zip useful tips for being braver and she took note of that.
"Got that barge of engineering parts secure, Zip?" asked Zob.
"I think so… oh no!" she cried as the rope came loose.
"Gotcha!" Zob quickly pushed the barge back into position.
"Thanks, Zob," smiled Zip.
"Come on, Zip!" called Corona. "We're going to be late for the engineers."
"You watch your back, Zip," said Zob. "I'd better join Ariel at the railhead."
"I will," said Zip.
The two switchers moved off, when Hans popped out from under the water.
"What is it, Hans?" Zob scoffed.
"There's some debris down here that the Salvage team missed," he explained.
"Right," Zob said firmly. "I'll tell Pieces about it."
Later, the Salvage Team and Sunshine were helping to clear it up.
"This takes me back," Sunshine said fondly. "I sometimes miss working with you."
"Same here," agreed Misty. "But we're glad you ended up with the Stars."
"Do you think that… on the day of the Blitz, more stars joined the sky?" asked Moonlight.
"Well," Sunshine considered, "Ah never thought about it like that before. But… it's possible. Heh, Ah think Top Hat would believe his star is the brightest in the sky."
"Oh, that would be Top Hat… to a 'T'," giggled Pisces, and Sunshine and the Salvage tugs all laughed.
"He and the others are heavily missed," said Sea Rogue, as he, O'Malley and Billy passed with some barges of supplies. "How are you holding up, Sunshine?"
"Better for seeing you three and the Salvage Team," she admitted.
"Maybe we can look for the stars of our friends and loved ones tonight," suggested O'Malley.
"It is comforting that they are still remembered," said Billy. "And they will be, so long as we tell their stories."
"Just infuriating that Corona is covering for Zug," snorted Scorpio. "She doesn't deserve that kind of honor."
"If she tries anything fishy, she's getting the boot," Stormy fumed.
"That's reassuring, girls," smiled Sunshine weakly.
Unfortunately, there came an incident that would leave her and everyone else massively shaken…
Ten Cents was approaching the end of another session with Captain Lucky.
"Well, Ten Cents," she said, "I'm pleased with the progress you're making."
"It's all thanks to you, Captain Lucky," he said. "Your advice is second-to-none."
"Thank you, dearie," smiled Captain Lucky. "So have you given any thought of that suggestion I made?"
"Yes, and I'm still not sure I can," admitted Ten Cents.
"Is there any particular reason?" asked Captain Lucky.
"It's whether I'm ready for it," said Ten Cents. "I mean, I'm not quite over my fear of explosions yet."
"Ten Cents, dearie," said Captain Lucky, "bravery is not the absence of fear. It's about the facing of such fears. In times of crisis, there will be fears that may arise, but we must try and decide what is more important."
"That is a good point," admitted Ten Cents. "I'll speak to Captain Star about it. Thank you, Captain Lucky."
"My pleasure," replied Captain Lucky. Then, they heard Hercules' hooter and the ocean-going tug came in, looking alarmed.
"Ten Cents!" he gasped. "Thank goodness, I found you."
"Hercules! What's wrong?" asked Ten Cents.
"There's been an incident up river," said Hercules, and he quickly explained everything.
Earlier That Day
The Salvage Fleet were clearing debris from a boat that had sunk the night before.
"We should get Captain Lucky to scrap this boat as well," said Stormy. "Burke and Blair haven't been seen since Zug was killed, and even then, I don't trust those scavengers."
"Mmm-hmm!" said Moonlight. "Maybe someone more decent than Mr. Broke should buy the breaker's yard and replace those two with far less sinister tugs."
Suddenly, they heard a loud explosion.
"What was that?!" asked Stormy worriedly.
"Ugh, I swear if Billy has fallen into old habits…" groaned Ember.
"We'd better check it out," said Pisces. "Come on!"
The Salvage Team and Robin, who had moored off a barge, rushed over to the scene of the explosion and goggled in horror. All they could see was a sunken barge of dynamite, the hull of an alligator tug with a destroyed wheelhouse, a cracked funnel and two paddle wheels that had blown off. Then, Pisces, Scorpio and Misty gasped in horror when they saw the paddle wheels that had the name "BILLY SHOEPACK" written on it.
"No…" gasped Moonlight, his voice barely a crack. "Oh, Moonlight Oceans above! Sunshine!"
Sunshine had been towing off a barge when she heard the explosion. As soon as she heard her brother's cry, she tied the barge off and rushed over.
"Moonlight, what's wro…" Sunshine began before gasping in horror. "BILLY! No! No, no, no! First Zug, then Top Hat, Zilly, Sally, Kirke, Mr. Krieger, Captain Star's mother and Captain Lucky's parents, and now Billy Shoepack too?! No more losses! Please! No more! This war has gone on far too long!" And Sunshine broke down crying as did Hail, Misty and Robin.
"We don't even know if it was the Nazis who killed him," insisted Ember.
"Oh yes, we do!" snapped Stormy. "Look what I found!" The grumpy salvage tug bought forward a flag with a symbol that struck fear into many.
"The swastika!" gasped Pisces and Scorpio.
Just then, Sea Rogue and O'Malley came up.
"We heard an explosion," called Sea Rogue. "Is everyone al– Oh, dear Neptune, not Billy!"
"And this flag belongs to the cultrips!" Stormy said angrily.
"Oh no!" gasped O'Malley. "There are still Nazis in Bigg City Port."
"We've got to call an emergency indignation meeting at the Railhead!" Pisces said urgently. "I'll head back to Port and alert the others what's happened. Ember, go and fetch Captain Salvage. Moonlight, take Sunshine back to the pier and comfort her. Sea Rogue, O'Malley, you two tell Billy's owners about his death. The rest of you, clear up the mess."
Right Now
Ten Cents and Captain Lucky were horrified by this. Billy Shoepack was dead, and worst of all, Nazis were still invading Bigg City.
"We need to head to the Railhead at once!" said Hercules. "O.J.'s collected Captain Star and Zorran's bringing Captain Zero. Ten Cents, you bring Captain Lucky."
"Er, right," said Ten Cents, still a bit shaken by the news.
Soon, we all had gathered at the Railhead. There was a mixture of shock, horror, sadness and anger at this horrific incident.
"Poor Billy," sighed Big Mac. "Ah know we rarely got on, but he didnae deserve such a horrific fate."
"H-he was able to… literally blast us out of trouble before," said Sunshine, still sobbing. "But he couldn't save himself…"
"Wars bring too much destruction and devastation," sighed O.J..
"If only we could make this stop…" agreed Warrior.
Just then, Mr. Lloyd blew a conductor's whistle to get everyone's attention. Then Pisces spoke.
"Everyone, a disturbing incident occurred today up river," said Pisces. "Billy Shoepack was found dead. He had been blown up by his own dynamite. What's worse is that Stormy found a horrifying piece of evidence at the scene of the crime. Captain Salvage?"
Captain Salvage, with a haunted look on her face, presented the swastika. Gasps of horror rang out from the crowd.
"Why would the Nazis want to murder someone like Billy Shoepack?" gulped Maeve.
"I d-don't know," said Henney with fear in her voice. Porter tried to comfort his sister, but he was scared himself.
"In light of this incident, we must tighten our security," said Thomas. "I'm going to request to the chief that we introduce a curfew whereby all civilians, be they human, land vehicle or watercraft, must be home by 1900 hours and will not be allowed to leave that area without special permission. Only police and military personnel will be allowed out at this time."
"That's 7:00pm, right?" asked Hail.
"Yes, it is," replied Hercules.
"We will also be implementing security checks on incoming and outgoing vessels," added Pepper Pipes.
Ten Cents didn't seem to hear those bits. He was deep in thought.
"Ten Cents, are you listening?" I asked.
"Captain Star," said Ten Cents, "I'm going to volunteer for the navy!"
There were gasps of shock at this, especially from myself, my fleet, Ariel and Zip.
"Ten Cents, you can't seriously…"
"Hercules, we've lost too many lives in this war, including one of our own!" insisted Ten Cents. "How many more until Hitler himself invades America? I won't let that happen!"
There was a long silence at this.
"Is this because of my suggestion?" asked Captain Lucky.
"Partly that as well," said Ten Cents, before turning his attention to the others. "I've been taking counseling sessions with Captain Lucky about my fear of explosions and she thinks if I confront my fears, it'll give me a sense of empowerment, and that joining the navy could help. Like she said, fear is not the absence of fear, it's about facing it."
Jimbo and Admiral Cardona looked thoughtfully at each other.
"Well, Ten Cents," said Jimbo, "Hercules has said you were really brave on the night of the munitions disaster, and your dedication to this country is exemplary. We'd be honored for you to enlist."
"Well, if Ten Cents is goin' join the navy, then Ah'm joinin' tae!" said Big Mac. "Ah won't let those monsters harm anyone."
"I'm joining as well!" called Hercules. "I've been in the Navy once, and I'd do it again. Ten Cents is right. We can't let Hitler win."
"Are you three absolutely sure about this?" I asked, trying to hide my own fears.
"Yes, sir," the three tugs said bravely.
"Admiral," asked Zorran, "is it possible for Z-Stacks to join up?"
"Z-Zorran?!" gasped Captain Zero.
"I know, my past is shady at best," admitted Zorran, "and I may have been a crook, but I was an American crook!"
"You know," said Zip, "Zob told me that fear is about facing your fears and not the absence of it, so I'm going to sign up as well."
"Right! I'm joining too," said Zak.
"And why would you want to join the army?" asked Zob.
"I see no reason not to," said Zak nonchalantly. Zorran just looked at him suspiciously. Captain Zero and I just looked at each other in amazement. Three of our tugs were volunteering themselves for the navy.
"Well…" I said, shedding a tear. "You're doing a very noble act. I'll get some tugs to fill in for you here in your absence. Just… please, make it home safe, my tugs."
"Zorran, Zip," said Captain Zero, taking off his hat, "you two have come a long way since our shady days and I'm proud of you for doing this. I'm not sure why Zak is doing this, but… hopefully this is a sign he's turning over a new leaf at last. Like with Captain Star, I'll arrange for other tugs to do your work. But, please… come home safely."
"Yes," agreed Ariel. "Please, guys. Please make it home safe."
"I'll arrange for a funeral service for Billy," said Captain Lucky. "Ten Cents, Big Mac, Hercules, Zorran, Zak and Zip, godspeed to you six."
"Alright then," said Admiral Cardona. "Ten Cents, Big Mac, Hercules, Zorran, Zak and Zip, I salute your bravery! There is no doubt in my mind you six will make Bigg City and the United States proud!"
"Captain Star!" called Grampus. "I've just had an idea! Why don't we get Penny to do Ten Cents' work whilst he's away?"
"That's an excellent idea, Grampus," I said. "I'll contact the harbour master at Boston to make the arrangements."
"Right then," said Pisces. "Meeting adjourned. Remember, everyone. Stay vigilant and obey the curfew at all times."
Just as we left for the meeting, Moonlight looked at Robin.
"There's something I need to talk to you about," he said.
"What is it?" she asked. I couldn't hear the rest of the conversation as I boarded Ariel and we sort back to the Star Dock.
"Since you're thinking of bringing Penny back," said Ariel, "there is a harbour tug and an ocean-going tug currently on loan on Boston who could fill in Big Mac and Hercules. Surprisingly, these two tugs seemed to know one of the Stars."
"Surprise me then," I said, folding my arms. Sure enough, I myself was surprised with the names Ariel gave, but that's another story.
About a week after his death, a funeral service was held for Billy Shoepack at Lucky's Yard. Eulogies were given, and many tears were shed.
"Goodbye, Billy," whispered Sunshine. "May the sun warm your cabin and the waters be calm."
"You were a massive help in the past," said O.J.. "Remember when we were trapped by that tramper?"
"Och aye," chuckled Big Mac. "Blastit a hole richt intae the tramper. An Zorran wis caucht on the rocks."
"Heh," chuckled Zorran. "I remember that. Wasn't funny at the time though."
"And he saved me from the burnin' logs too," added Sunshine.
"Thank you, Billy," said Ten Cents. "I hope you say hello to our other friends up there…"
His remains were then scrapped by Captain Lucky's workers since, again, no one wanted his death to be tainted by Burke and Blair. It was hard losing him, but we got over it with time and help from each other. When we did discover who killed Billy Shoepack and Zug, this would lead to a battle to save Bigg City Port from Nazi occupation.
To Be Continued
Arthour's notes: A lot in this chapter. Ariel and Tillie are welcome visitors after the heavy losses of Top Hat and Kirke... however, Corona and Hans are not so pleasing after the deaths of Zug and Zilly. There's also some disney references, and... the very unfortunate loss of Billy Shoepack. May he find peace in the Moonlight Oceans... and six of the tugs are signing up for the Navy. Godspeed to them... well, Zak's very questionable.
Next time, the tugs have to work their hardest in Saving Bigg City from the terrorists.