High Tide

Adapted from the episode by David Mitton

Adapted by Jonathan Downs, Rachel Ravens and Zack Wanzer

Bigg City Port never ceased working. Operations carried out throughout the night were continued in the early mornings. Goods stacked high along the docksides were brought into port by road and by rail. The trucks and freight cars were then reloaded with cargo from incoming tramp steamers, ferries and liners for delivery to inland cities and towns. Everyone and every method of transport played a part in moving goods into and out of the port. The work of our tugs was an important link in the chain. It was nonstop and round the clock. The lifeblood of the whole operation was coal. Without this dirty stuff, industry would have ground to a halt.


On this very busy day, Big Mac arrived at the briefing having worked at the coal depot all night. There wasn't time for him to get washed so he was covered in coal dust.

"You know, it never fails to amaze me," snarked Top Hat. "Every day, I see something new. Today, it's the sight of a floating sack of coal, no less." He, O.J., Warrior and Sunshine laughed at this.

"If you'd been shifting coal, you'd be dirty!" retorted Big Mac.

Then, Top Hat sniffed and said, "At least you don't smell; that's something."

"Noo look 'ere–!" Big Mac began as the others began laughing again.

"Course he doesn't smell, Top Hat," Warrior chimed in. "Coal doesn't have a smell."

"I know it doesn't, Warrior," Top Hat retorted, "but he could get a hose down before coming to join us. We Star Tugs have a reputation to keep up. Even you, Warrior, after a day in the garbage yards don't look too scruffy."

"Oh," said Warrior.

"A' ye worry aboot is keeping that piece o' gless o'er yer eye clean!" grunted Big Mac.

"Not only my monocle, all of me!" insisted Top Hat.

"Coorse ye aye git oot o' th' nasty joabs, don't ye!" Big Mac retorted.

"All right, all right, cut the back chat!" I boomed. "At least one Star tug's already been working."

"Well, we can see that!" said Top Hat.

"Now, that's enough, Top Hat," I said. "You go and stretch your neck with car ferry duties, then take the garbage barge to the city dump."

"That'll be nice for you, Top Hat," chuckled Warrior.

"Garbage?! Me?!" Top Hat exclaimed in disbelief. "Do I have to put up with this?"

"Ah hae tae pat up wi' ye, Top Hat!" Big Mac retorted.

"Yeah!" agreed Warrior.

"Top Hat, why do I always have an argument with you?" I said crossly. "Now move out. Come on."

"Yes, Sir," Top Hat replied. "I do apologize. I'm so sorry."

"Bye, Top Hat," called Warrior.

"But I don't see why…" Top Hat began.

"Git oan wi' it!" growled Big Mac.

"Ah well, here it goes," Top Hat said, setting off. "Really, some people are so tiresome," he muttered to himself.

"You know, to be fair to him," Sunshine said, chuckling slightly, "he does work as hard as we do really."

"We know," O.J. replied. "It's just that his attitude gets too much sometimes."

"O.J., load up the new propeller from Lucky's Yard and take it to the liner in dry dock," I continued. "Sunshine, Ten Cents needs your help over at the storage depot. When you've finished, go and help O.J."

"Don't waste any time, Sunshine," O.J. said as he and Sunshine set off. "I'll need all the help I can get with that propeller."

"Okay, O.J.," replied Sunshine. "We'll be there."

"Warrior, Big Mac," I said, "your job's the most important. You know we're competing for the Steel Company's contract. Show that Star Tugs can handle big steel loads better than Z-Stacks. Warrior, see that you get your loads across the bay without any mishaps. Be careful and don't forget it's a very high tide today. Don't try anything rash. Off you go."

"Richt, quick washdown," Big Mac said, determinedly. "Then we'll shaw those Z-stacks, eh Warrior?"

"Yeah, we will," agreed Warrior. "I'll hose you down as we travel along, Big Mac. That'll save a bit of time, eh?"


Work was also getting underway at the Bigg City Dock Railway, which was run by Mr. Frederick Lloyd, a firm but fair gentleman. He owned two engines – Puffa (whose real name was Stanley) was a tank engine with a tender, originally designed for logging operations but when brought to Bigg City, he was assigned to mixed traffic work meaning he could pull passengers and freight. He was a friendly fellow and was already to lend a helping wheel. Little Owl, who originally worked in New York, was primarily a goods engine as she preferred it over passengers and was a friendly but curious sort. Both engines were good friends of my Star Tugs.

"Good morning, you two," Mr. Lloyd said. "It's high tide and it could delay the tugs so I'll need you two to work extra hard today to ensure that work in Bigg City isn't delayed."

"You can count on us, Mr. Lloyd," replied Puffa.

"Excuse me, sir," asked Little Owl, "but Puffa and I were wondering if you could get another engine to help us."

"Well, I have a meeting with the harbourmaster this morning," said Mr. Lloyd, "but I'll have a look into it at some point. Now for your jobs – Little Owl, usual freight work."

"Yes, sir," Little Owl said happily.

"Puffa, it's the passenger and mail train for you," Mr. Lloyd continued.

"Righto, sir," said Puffa.

"Any questions?" Mr. Lloyd asked. "No? Right then, engines; let's get to it."


It was a high tide, highest in years. Ten Cents and Sunshine found the quayside flooded, and they would have to work twice as hard to rescue their barge load.

"This is going to take all day," groaned Ten Cents.

"At this rate, Ah may not be able to help O.J. with the propeller…" muttered Sunshine.


On the other side of the harbour, the Steel Company was preparing for its move to its new works across the bay. The yard's biggest crane was operated by a jovial fellow named Michael Bateson who was affectionately nicknamed "Big Mickey" due to his large physique and booming voice. He had just finished placing a very tall and heavy bridge section onto a barge. It was now loaded and ready to move off. The Z-Stacks were in charge of this operation. Then, Zebedee and Zak looked to see Big Mac and Warrior into view.

"Well, well, well, the Star Tugs," sneered Zak. "'Ere, what time do you call this, eh? You needn't have bothered. There's no work for you. We've got it all sewn up."

"Yeah, you said it, Zak," Zebedee agreed.

"We've as much richt tae go fur this contract as ye hae," replied Big Mac.

"Think you'll do a better job, Big Mouth?" sneered Zak. "You ain't got no chance. Three against one, see? No chance."

"What d'you mean, three against one?" asked Warrior. "There's only two of you."

"Well, you don't do much 'cept get in the way, Warrior," replied Zebedee. "So, we count you on our side." Warrior bit his lip and looked down at the water. "Can't stop here all day. We've got work to do."

"So long, losers!" Zak laughed cruelly; his engine made spluttering noises as he and Zebedee set off.

"Zak's engine doesn't sound tae healthy, Warrior," said Big Mac as he reversed over to Big Mickey. "Hey, Big Mickey, how aboot a real fast load up?"

"I'm ready for you and Warrior!" Big Mickey boomed. "I heard what those two said, and I hope you beat them to it. Those Z-Stacks are about as much as use as a coal train to Newcastle!"

"Och, we wull, na problem," Big Mac said confidently.

It didn't take long for Big Mac and Warrior's barges to be loaded. Big Mac was towing a low load and Warrior was towing a high steel rig identical to the one Zak was pulling.

"Ye be careful, Warrior," Big Mac warned. "That's some heich load ye'v git thare. Juist tak' it easy. We'll catch the Z-Stacks, ye see if we dinnae!"

"You've got it, Big Mac," replied Warrior.

"Right then," boomed Big Mickey. "You're all loaded up, guys! Off you go and good luck!"

"Ye kin bet oan it!" called Big Mac. "Thanks, Big Mickey." With that, Big Mac and Warrior set off with their loads.


Meanwhile, Zebedee and Zak had stopped near the entrance to the canal. Smoke was billowing from Zak's engine. One thing you should know about Captain Zero was that he was notoriously cheap and didn't care for the health and wellbeing of his tugs. However, Zak was far too proud to admit his problems.

"Told you about your engine, Zak," scolded Zebedee. "You should've had it seen to."

"Nothing wrong with it!" Zak retorted. "Anyway, I've got an idea to fool those two. Listen, if we cut through the canal, we'll get there first. Got to. If they follow us, they can't get past because it's not wide enough, right?"

"Brilliant, I don't know how you do it," replied Zebedee. "Hey, let's go. Wait till we tell Captain Zero how we beat them."

"And maybe he'll finally make me the leader of the Z-Stacks," Zak said to himself as they set off.

Big Mac and Warrior weren't too far behind.

"See, Warrior, we're catching thaim," said Big Mac before noticing Zebedee and Zak. "Hullo, whit ur thay up tae?"

"They're heading for the canal!" Warrior replied.

"Ah ken that," said Big Mac, realising what they were up to. "That's it; they're taking a shortcut!"

"All right, we'll follow 'em!" said Warrior.

"Na we won't," said Big Mac. "Thay wilnae git thro'. Tis heich tide."

"So what?" asked Warrior.

"Bridges, Warrior, bridges," Big Mac pointed out.

"So what?" asked Warrior again.

"Heich tide, heich load," Big Mac replied.

"Oh yeah!" Warrior realised. "Bridges!"

"Ten oot o' ten!" said Big Mac. "Thay wilnae git that load under, wull thay? Let thaim go. They'll hae tae come back, 'n' we'll be oot o' sight." With that, Big Mac and Warrior set off along their route with the knowledge that the Z-Stacks had made a tactical error.


Several bridges spanned across the canal, the lowest one carried the railway. The Z-Stacks hadn't connected their tall load with the tide, the highest of the season. Top Hat was coming towards them from the opposite direction, with Frank and Eddie on each side of him, as well as Lord Stinker in front of him. There was no way the Z-Stacks and Top Hat could pass each other. When they came face to face, someone was going to have to go back the way they came. They would first see each other at the bend leading to the railway bridge, which had the lowest arch over the canal. Top Hat stopped when he saw the Z-Stacks.

"Go into reverse, if you please!" ordered Top Hat. "It's my water! I repeat, it is my water!"

"We're heavier!" retorted Zak.

"Yes, well, my load is wider!" argued Top Hat.

"You've five seconds to back up!" said Zebedee.

"Right, well, so have you then!" replied Top Hat.

"Right, five!" barked Zak.

"They mean it, Top Hat," said Eddie.

"I am coming through! Four!" said Top Hat.

"So are we! Three!" said Zebedee.

"We'll see! Two!" said Top Hat.

"One!" barked Zak. "Watch my wake as I get to that bridge, Zeb! That Star's met his match!"

Both Zak and Top Hat put on full power and surged forwards towards each other and the bridge; the former's engine was billowing more smoke than before.

"Top Hat, look at his load!" said Lord Stinker, noticing the steel rig getting closer to the bridge.

"He's going to hit!" Top Hat exclaimed in horror. "Hold on, I'm going into reverse!"

"Oh!" gasped Lord Stinker.

"Oh help!" cried Frank and Eddie.

"He's backing off!" chuckled Zak. "Didn't I tell you, Zeb?"

"Didn't even make a fight of it!" Zebedee said, starting to laugh, but immediately stopped when he looked up at the railway bridge. "Oh no. I see why now. The bridge, Zak! Reverse engines, QUICK!"

"Oh no, I can't stop!" Zak cried in alarm, and true to form, the steel rig hit the bridge. "Oh no! Oh, help!" To make things worse for Zak, his engine finally gave out on him, and as he was coming to a smoky stop, a section of the bridge fell off.

"That's real Zero thinking, dummy!" said Top Hat.

"I suppose we'd better go and get some help," Zebedee sighed and he glanced anxiously up at the rail bridge from where he stood.

"Stop lollygagging!" snapped Zak, coughing through the smoke pouring out of his engine. "We'll be late enough getting back to the Zero dock as it is!"

"Alright… alright…" Zebedee sighed and moved off, towing a broken down Zak with him.

As they left, Top Hat heard a whistle in the distance.

"That's Puffa with the mail train, isn't it?" Top Hat said, looking up at the bridge. "Oh dear, the bridge! It's… It's… Wait a minute! I've got it! If I can get that steel rig under the bridge, maybe it'll hold while the train gets across. It's worth a try."

"Don't waste time cutting me free," said Lord Stinker. "Take me with you!"

"You'll take that risk, Stinker?" Top Hat asked as he untied Frank and Eddie.

"Course I will, it's only rubbish," Lord Stinker replied. And with that, Top Hat pushed the garbage barge towards the bridge.


Little Owl had had trouble with her shunting due to a freight car with a hot axlebox and she'd had to swap it for another. This had delayed her significantly.

"Oh dear!" she cried. "If I don't get clearance soon, I'll end up behind schedule and Mr. Lloyd will be disappointed."

"Don't worry, old girl," soothed her engineer. "I'm sure Mr. Lloyd will understand."

At last, the conductor blew his whistle.

"Thank goodness," Little Owl said as she departed, unaware of the danger ahead. "I must try and make up for lost time."


Top Hat's idea was to try and prop up the bridge, if he could get the steel rig into place before Puffa got there. Puffa was signaled through, so there was no way anybody could stop him! A rope was attached between Lord Stinker and the barge with the steel rig, and Top Hat pulled back as hard as he could.

"Pull!" groaned the railway tug. The bridge was weakened by the accident, and Top Hat could only hope his idea would work. There was no way of warning Puffa! Luckily, Top Hat got the steel rig into place just in time. With a loud whistle, Puffa slowly crossed over the damaged section of the bridge and reached the other side safely.

"Phew! That was lucky!" Top Hat sighed with relief.

"Well done, Top Hat," Lord Stinker. "You saved the..."

Just then, Top Hat noticed the steel rig starting to keel over.

"Oh! Look out!" Top Hat shouted as the steel rig crashed into the water. "This is terrible!"

With nothing to support it, the bridge started breaking apart. Then another whistle in the distance.

"Oh no! I know that whistle!" Top Hat cried in alarm.

"It's Little Owl!" exclaimed Eddie.

It was indeed Little Owl. She was so determined to make up for lost time that she'd put on full speed but didn't know about the bridge. Top Hat, Frank, Eddie and Lord Stinker could only watch in horror as the bridge collapsed in a shower of sparks with the rails leading into the water. Little Owl was now getting closer to the bridge and if she didn't stop, she would fall into the canal.

"We can't save her!" Top Hat said sadly. "It's impossible!"

"No, it's not," Lord Stinker replied. "Push me under the end of that rail, quick!"

"What?" Top Hat said, until he realised what Lord Stinker had in mind. "Oh yes, I see! I get the idea! Right!"

With that, Top Hat turned Lord Stinker around so that his front end faced towards the tracks. The garbage barge's plan was to catch Little Owl inside his hull.

"If this doesn't work, you'll be in danger yourself, Stinker!" Top Hat said.

"I know, don't remind me!" Lord Stinker replied urgently. "Just get me under the end of that rail!"

Soon Lord Stinker was placed into position at the end of the tracks. Little Owl rolled onto the bridge and saw the danger.

"Oh, horrors!" she cried, shutting her eyes and applying her brakes. Fortunately, Little Owl landed safely into Lord Stinker's hull, while the rest of her train tumbled down into the canal.

"It's worked, Stinker! You're a smelly old genius, nothing less!" Top Hat exclaimed happily.

"Hmm, took some brain to save Little Owl," agreed Eddie.

"Oh, I say!" Lord Stinker chuckled.

"Thanks, Lord Stinker," Little Owl said gratefully. "You saved my life."

"I'll never complain about your smell again!" said Top Hat.

"Rubbish can be valuable stuff!" agreed Lord Stinker.


Big Mac and Warrior reached the Steel Company's new works long before Zebedee and Zak had. The Steel Company manager was very pleased.

"You're versatile," said the manager. "Real harbour tugs."

"Och, 'twas nothing, sur," Big Mac replied modestly.

Then Zebedee came up, still towing Zak with him.

"Sorry we're late," said Zebedee. "We had an accident with the steel rig and the railway bridge."

"What?" the manager thundered. "You damaged our steel rig?! You idiots! Just wait until Captain Zero hears about this!"

I can't repeat what Captain Zero said to Zebedee and Zak when he found out, but let's just say it wasn't very polite, especially when it came to Zak blowing his engine.


Meanwhile, Ten Cents and Sunshine had finished clearing up the mess at the Melon Produce Company. By now, the tide had subsided and the sun was beginning to set.

"Cor! Yeah, well, that's been a hard day," said Ten Cents. "But we're all cleared up now."

"Yep," agreed Sunshine. "Ah bet everybody else had a really easy day waitin' for the tide to go down."

"Yeah," replied Ten Cents. "I bet Top Hat delivered Lord Stinker, then moored up somewhere quiet."

"Yeah," Sunshine said. "Somehow, he always manages to take it nice and easy. Now, I'd better go help O.J.."

"Think you may need a third tug, Sunshine?" asked Ten Cents.

"Yes, please," smiled the smaller switcher. "Let's make haste."


Next day, work started on the bridge. There was no serious damage to Little Owl or any serious injuries to her crew and conductor and her wagons were easily recovered from the canal. Zebedee and Zak, once repaired, were ordered to clear up the mess as punishment for the accident they caused. Operations on the railway were suspended until the bridge could get rebuilt and Mr. Lloyd sued Captain Zero, who was ordered to pay a massive fine to the railway, which was another stain on the Z-Stacks' public image (not helped by Little Owl developing a grudge towards the Z-Stacks). For the Star Fleet, however, it came out all right in the end. The Steel Company got the contract for repairing the bridge and I had no difficulty convincing them that my Star Tugs should get the contract for delivering the steel.

The End


Author's Notes: Zack and I made a couple of changes to what Johnathan wrote this time around. Zack flipped the positions of Zak and Zebedee of who goes under the bridge and gets caught; I added Sunshine's worries about not being able to help O.J. and Ten Cents volunteering to help. Other scenes were establishing Little Owl and Puffa - real name Stanley (per Zack's suggestion); and we also had a scene where the steel contract was given to the Stars.

Next time, a Heat Wave comes to Bigg City Port. We actually wrote that one right off the heels of this episode, and spoilers, there's some serious changes to that one...