Near Misses
Written by Jonathan Downs, Rachel Ravens and Zack Wanzer
Warning: The following story contains mentions Adolf Hitler, the Nazi regime, explosions and near deaths.
I'll never forget the date of December 7, 1941, when Japanese forces launched a surprise attack upon the United States against the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbour in Honolulu, just before eight in the morning. With a total of 2,403 people on the American side killed (including sixty-eight civilians), 1,178 military and civilians wounded and a number of vessels and aircraft either damaged, destroyed or sunk, there was no doubt that if anything was going to end the United States of America's neutral status, this was it.
The day after the attack, President Roosevolt addressed Congress in what I consider to be the most significant speech of his career and his lifetime:
"Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives: Yesterday, December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
"The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our Nation. As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole Nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.
"No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
"Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces – with the unbounding determination of our people – we will gain the inevitable triumph – so help us God. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."
The Senate and the House of Representatives approved the war declaration unanimously with the exception of one vote – Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin became the first member of Congress to vote "no" on both the declaration of war on Germany during World War I and the declaration of war on Japan in 1941 – and FDR signed the resolution that day.
As a result, the United States had now entered the Second World War. Thomas and Andrea had already made the decision beforehand to cancel their honeymoon for the risk of the United States entering the war, which was the right thing to do. It was also decided to store Lillie Lightship at Lucky's Yard for the duration of the conflict as her light would risk attracting enemy planes. As 1941 gave way to 1942, the tugs were now busier than ever, moving weapons, ships and supplies to and from the naval base. Sally Seaplane was given machine guns to help fight off enemy planes, and Jimbo and Admiral Cardona were also hard at work, preparing defenses for the possibility of an attack on Bigg City. Needless to say, one tug in particular was terrified of that prospect. To help with the extra work on the railway, Mr. Lloyd arranged for three certain logging engines to come back to help. Needless to say, the Dock Railway engines were glad to see them, but wished it was under better circumstances.
Ten Cents was out in the estuary when he heard the whirl of a plane. Then, he looked up in horror to see a German bomber.
"No… no… No, not again…!" he cried in alarm and tried to run away. But several bombs went out around him and he started going into shock.
Then, the bomber fired a bomb towards him.
"No! NO! NOOOOOOO!" screamed Ten Cents as the bomb exploded.
Ten Cents woke up with a start, breathing heavily. To his relief, he was at the Star Dock with his friends, who had woken up and were concerned, especially Hercules and Sunshine.
"Are you alright, little brother?" Hercules asked in concern.
"No, Hercules," said Ten Cents, tears forming in his eyes. "I had a nightmare where an enemy bomber was firing at me, and…" He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood what was going on through his head.
"Oh, Ten Cents," sighed Sunshine.
"I don't get it," Ten Cents said, his tears becoming more angry. "I've been brave in the past. Why am I so terrified now?"
"I think I know why," said Top Hat. "War is unpredictable. An attack can happen when we least anticipate it. Pearl Harbour did occur the day after Thomas and Andrea's wedding, after all."
"Ye'r richt thare, Top Hat," sighed Big Mac. "If anythin' happened tae Warrior, A'd ne'er forgive masell."
"I'd be upset if I lost you too, Big Mac," agreed Warrior.
"I'd be worried if Zilly was lost," Grampus added, glancing over at the Zero Dock worriedly. It was only a few months ago, he'd learnt they were both brothers.
"I think we're all afraid of a possible attack," sighed O.J.. "Like Top Hat said, it's the uncertainty that surrounds it."
"Ten Cents, are you okay?" called a voice; it was Zip.
"Ten Cents had a nightmare," replied Sunshine. "An enemy bomber nearly destroyed him."
"Oh, right," said Zip. "Your fear of explosions."
"Yes," sighed Ten Cents.
"Don't worry, Ten Cents," said Hercules. "I'll protect you if anything does happen."
"Thank you, big brother," said Ten Cents with a small smile. Ever since the day they met, Ten Cents had looked up to Hercules, and Hercules had always been protective of Ten Cents. Now, more than ever, he was going to need that protection.
I wish I had a big sibling, Zip thought to herself. To her, Ten Cents and Hercules' bond was heartwarming and she looked back at the Zero Dock. I also wish that selfish pig Zeus was more protective of Zug. Hercules really is the tug he can only wish to be.
The next morning, the Star Tugs listened as I gave them their instructions for the day.
"Keep your eyes open for any trouble, Star Tugs," I boomed, "and make sure you stay safe. Oh, and Ten Cents, I'll need you and Hercules to stay behind."
With that, the other tugs went off to work whilst Ten Cents and Hercules stayed.
"I understand you had a nightmare last night," I said. "Are you alright?"
"Well, I'm alright now," admitted Ten Cents, "but I was shaken up by it."
"I don't blame you," I replied. "I think you'd better work with Hercules for the time being so he can protect you."
"Thank you, Captain Star," said Ten Cents gratefully.
"Hercules, can I entrust you to keep an eye on Ten Cents?" I asked.
"No problem, Captain Star," replied Hercules.
"Excellent," I said. "Right then, Hercules, you are to escort a naval tramper out to sea. Ten Cents will go with you to assist. Off you go."
With that, the two Eagle Works tugs set off together.
I'm glad we bought you after the First World War, Hercules, I thought to myself. Ten Cents needs you more than ever.
Captain Zero was also giving out his orders to his tugs, with Zorran and Zug due to bring in some munitions.
"Be careful, you two," he warned. "If an attack happens and sets off the munitions, this will spell disaster."
"Don't worry, Captain Zero," said Zorran. "Zug and I will keep our eyes for any sign of trouble."
"Very good," said Captain Zero. "Right then, I'm off for a meeting with the harbour master. Off you go, everyone, and stay safe."
With that, the Z-Stacks set off for work. Captain Zero left as well. As he got into his car, he failed to notice an unwelcome visitor lurking nearby.
This is the perfect opportunity, the mysterious figure thought. Once Captain Zero had set off, the figure got a key and unlocked the office.
Ten Cents and Hercules had just escorted the tramper and were getting ready to return to port.
"How are you feeling, Ten Cents?" asked Hercules.
"I'm feeling better," smiled Ten Cents. "Thank you, Hercules, for being there for me."
"If you were even threatened, I would throw myself on the line for you," said Hercules.
"Do you think Ariel and Penny are alright?" asked Ten Cents.
"I certainly hope so, little brother," sighed Hercules. "I hope Venus and Meridian are alright as well."
Zorran and Zug delivered the munitions safely and awaited Jimbo's inspection.
"Alright, Zorran and Zug," called Jimbo. "There's nothing wrong with the delivery. I'll handle this from here. Zorran, you can return to the Zero Dock. Zug, the Admiral needs to talk to you."
"I'll let Captain Zero know you'll be late back," said Zorran.
"Thank you, Zorran," called Zug as Zorran left. Whilst Jimbo went to dock the barge, Zug went to see Admiral Cardona.
"Zug," Admiral Cardona called from the announcing house, "I've got a message from Captain Zero. You are to go to the old quay and collect an urgent delivery. Apparently, it's been stored there for security reasons."
"Okay, Admiral," said Zug as he set off for the old quay. Little did he know that someone had laid a trap for him…
Zob had brought a train full of munitions to the Railhead. Porter and Kirke were shunting the freight cars. Top Hat was also there.
"Alright, that's the last of them," said Porter.
"Excellent," said Zob. "I'll be on my way back to the Zero Dock."
"Yes, I'm off as well," said Top Hat. "I would rather not get caught up in any attack that may occur."
"Take care, you two!" called Kirke as the two railway tugs left.
Zug arrived at the old quay, but he couldn't find anything or anyone.
"Hello?" he called. "Hello? Where can I find the delivery?"
"Right here, pipsqueak!" yelled another voice and Zug watched in shock as a larger tug pounced on him.
"H-help!" cried Zug, but no one else could hear. The larger tug took Zug inside the warehouse and a group of other vessels and two people were waiting; they were silhouetted so Zug couldn't see them in full.
"Ah, welcome, Zug," said one of the boats. "We've been expecting you."
"W-What do you w-want from m-me?" Zug asked in a scared tone. "I d-don't want any t-trouble!"
"But you've been causing Captain Zero all sorts of trouble since you arrived," said another boat, "Remember, 'I wanted another harbour tug, but that so-and-so sent me that little runt'."
"B-but he's been t-treating me a lot b-better in recent y-years," insisted Zug.
"That doesn't matter!" snapped one of the humans, a woman. "We're going to arrange it so Captain Zero never has to worry about you." She turned to the other human, a man. "Fetch the barrel."
"Yes, ma'am," said the man.
"W-what barrel?" asked Zug.
"We've got something special planned just for you," said another boat.
Moments later, the man came back with a barrel and Zug's face went pale as his worst fears were confirmed.
After the war started, Captain Zero, Captain Salvage, Mr. Lloyd and I had adopted a number-off system whereby members of our fleets would shout out their number and we would know they were present.
I watched as my tugs and Grampus returned to the Star Dock.
"Ah, excellent, you're back," I said. "Right then. Number off!"
"One!" called Ten Cents.
"Twa!" called Big Mac.
"Three!" called O.J.
"Four!" called Top Hat.
"Five!" called Warrior.
"Six!" called Hercules.
"Seven!" called Sunshine.
"Eight!" called Grampus.
"Excellent," I said. "Now, wait here for further assignments."
Zorran, Zebedee, Zip, Zob and Zilly had just returned to the Zero Dock around the same time Captain Zero returned.
"Ah, good," he said. "Let's number off and… just a moment! Where are Zak, Zug and Zeus?"
"Knowing Zak and Zeus," grumbled Zob, "they could be up to anything."
"Well, Admiral Cardona wanted to speak to Zug," explained Zorran. "Perhaps he had an urgent job for him."
"Maybe," said Captain Zero. "Wait here and I'll call the naval base."
So Captain Zero went downstairs to his office and rang the naval base.
"Hello, Bigg City Naval Base?" Admiral Cardona's voice said on the other end of the phone.
"Hello, Admiral Cardona, this is Captain Sean Zero of the Zero Fleet," Captain Zero replied.
"Ah, Sean, how are you?"
"Very well, thank you. Now I understand you needed to speak to Zug."
"Yes," replied Admiral Cardona. "I was informing him of the urgent job you gave him."
"What urgent job?" asked Captain Zero in shock.
"Wait, you didn't have an urgent job for him?" asked Admiral Cardona.
"N-no," stuttered Captain Zero; a worried expression crossed his face. He knew something serious had happened.
"Thank you, Admiral. That will be all," he said as he hastily put the phone down.
Quickly, Captain Zero rushed upstairs and stuck his megaphone out again.
"Z-Stacks!" he shouted urgently. "We have an emergency! Zug's gone missing!"
"You mean like when Sunshine was kidnapped?!" gasped Zebedee. Zip's face went pale upon hearing that her best friend was in danger.
"Yes, Zebedee," he said. "According to Admiral Cardona, I had given Zug an urgent job to do after he'd finished his delivery to the naval base. But I never gave such an order!"
"Leave it to me, Captain Zero," said Zorran. "I'll organize a search party and ask the Star Tugs for their help. You and Captain Star stay here in case an attack does occur. Can you contact the Salvage Fleet and the Coast Guard team so they can help us out as well?"
"Will do, Zorran," replied Captain Zero. "And I'll ask Captain Lucky, Mr. Lloyd and the engines to keep a lookout."
"Right, come on, you four," Zorran said to Zebedee, Zip, Zob and Zilly. "We have a missing tug to find!"
"R-right behind you, Z-Zorran!" stammered Zilly.
"Stay safe, everyone!" called Captain Zero as the Z-Stacks set off to find Zug.
"Well, I'm glad Captain Star decided to assign you with Hercules," said Top Hat.
"So am I," said Ten Cents. "Thank you for arranging this, Captain Star."
"Glad to have helped Ten Cents," I replied. Just then, we looked in surprise to see Zorran, Zebedee, Zip, Zob and Zilly come by.
"Oh, hi, Ten Cents," said Zip. "How are you feeling now?"
"Much better, thanks," replied Ten Cents. "But what are you doing here?"
"Zug's gone missing," replied Zebedee.
"WHAT?!" the Stars and I cried in alarm. To Sunshine and O.J., it was horrifying as memories of their own disappearances came flashing back.
"Apparently, Admiral Cardona gave him a message to go on an urgent job," explained Zorran, "but when Captain Zero phoned the Admiral, it turned out he had no such thing."
"Do you know where he went?" asked Top Hat.
"I'm afraid not," replied Zob. "Captain Zero was in such a panic that he never asked where Zug went."
"Zug could be anywhere," said Hercules. "Fear not, Zorran. We'll help you find him. You helped us look for Sunshine when she was kidnapped. It's time we returned the favour."
"Thank you, Hercules," replied Zorran. "Oh, and by the way, Captain Zero's going to contact the Salvage Fleet and the Coast Guard to help."
Suddenly, they heard the unwelcome hoots from Zak and Zeus.
"And where have you two been?!" snapped Zorran. "We've a crisis here. Zug's gone missing!"
"So my pathetic excuse for my brother has decided to run away, then?" sneered Zeus. "Good riddance."
"Shut it you," snapped Zorran. "You and Zak are going to help find him whether you both like it or not. Zob, keep an eye on them."
"Come on, Stars and Z-Stacks," said Hercules. "Let's go and rendezvous with the Salvage Fleet and the Coast Guard team." They all set off to begin the search for Zug.
"Stay safe, everyone," I called from my announcing house. What neither of us noticed was that a shadowy figure was watching from nearby.
The Stars and Z-Stacks met up with the Salvage Fleet and Coast Guard. Robin, Billy Shoepack, Sea Rogue and O'Malley were nearby when the Salvage Fleet got the call, and Robin agreed to help out as she was concerned for her brother's safety. Billy, Sea Rogue and O'Malley promised to look up river for him. Captain Lucky had even contacted Sally Seaplane to see if she could search for Zug from the skies. Although Finbar was needed in case of fire, he promised to keep a lookout.
With that, they all split into different groups and searched all over the port.
Top Hat, Sunshine, Zebedee and Zip headed for the waste dump.
"Top Hat? Sunshine? Zebedee? Zip?" asked Lord Stinker. "What are you doing here?"
"Yeah," replied Jack. "I thought that Warrior had finished the garbage runs for the day."
"Oh, he has," replied Sunshine. "But Zug has gone missing. You haven't seen him, have you?"
"I'm afraid not, sorry," said Lord Stinker.
"But if we see him, we'll get Mr. Krieger to inform Captain Zero," replied Jack.
"Thank you, you two," said Zip as the four tugs set off again. She was growing increasingly worried for her best friend.
"Any news, Placido?" asked Mr. Lloyd as the Climax engine came back.
"Nope," replied Placido.
"We can't find him near the coal depot either," said Little Owl.
"How in the Great Railway Above can a tug just vanish into thin air?" asked Kirke.
"Y-you don't think this is a repeat of the kidnapping incident of 1926, do you?" Henney asked worriedly.
"You mean when those four tugs kidnapped Sunshine?" gasped Maeve.
"You know about it?" asked Puffa.
"Ten Cents told us what had happened," said Lexi, darkly. "How could Corona and her lackeys do something like that to someone as sweet as Sunshine?"
"I honestly have no idea," sighed Porter. "But I fear Henney might be right."
"Well, don't expect me to tell jokes right now," replied Maeve. "This is far too serious."
Little Owl said nothing; a horrifying thought struck her. Could Zak and Zeus have had something to do with this? she thought. Was this what she and Ursula Zero were planning? Oh, Great Railway Above, what have I done?
Pisces, Scorpio and Misty looked in the estuary just in case Zug went out there by mistake.
"I can't find him near the mudbanks," called Scorpio.
"He's not anywhere near Dem Der Rocks either," called Pisces.
"Maybe we should ask a passing ship," suggested Misty.
"Good idea," agreed Pisces.
"There's a ship over there," said Scorpio. "Ahoy there! Have you seen a maroon switcher with a black fedora and the number four on his smokestack…"
The Water Sign trio looked in horror as what the ship was waving – the swastika.
"Girls! Back to the harbour! Now!" shouted Pisces. With that, the three tugs rushed back to the harbour. The inevitable was about to happen…
Ten Cents and Hercules were looking for Zug at the old quay when the air raid sirens started.
"No… no… not again…" Ten Cents gasped in a panicked tone.
"Ten Cents!" cried Hercules. Quickly, he threw a line to him and rushed him to a warehouse.
"Ten Cents… it's okay… we'll be safe in here…" assured Hercules.
"Hercules…" said Ten Cents in a frightened tone.
"Shh… I'm here… things are going to be okay," Hercules said gently.
Then Ten Cents looked over and gasped sharply. "H-Hercules…" he stammered.
"Ten Cents, it's okay, we'll…" Hercules trailed off as he glanced over in shock. "By Neptune's Beard!"
As soon as the sirens went off, I rushed downstairs and Captain Zero rushed over since my announcing house had a basement. I wasted no time in opening the door for him.
"Quickly! To the basement!" I urged as he entered. I quickly shut the door and we rushed downstairs.
"Ugh, I feel so helpless!" cried Captain Zero. "One of my tugs is missing, there's an invasion, and–"
"It's… infuriating," I said quietly. "But the best we can do is believe that our tugs are… stronger and smarter than even we know they are…"
I put a hand on Captain Zero's shoulder as we listened to the terrifying noises outside. Please… come out of this alive, I thought.
Sure enough, planes belonging to the Luttwaffe were approaching Bigg City and soldiers on the ground dashed to the anti-aircraft guns as they began bombing the port. The soldiers managed to shoot one plane down.
Zebedee, Zip, Top Hat and Sunshine were still looking for Zug when the planes started bombing.
"Quickly, we got to get to safety!" shouted Zebedee.
"Head for that warehouse!" called Sunshine. Then, they heard Pisces, Scorpio and Misty's hooters.
"Wait for us!" called Scorpio.
"Zug, where are you?!" called Zip. Top Hat could see that the Z-Stacks' number five was in danger; an enemy bomber had aimed for her and she didn't notice!
"Zip! LOOK OUT!" Top Hat shouted, charging forwards. He shoved Zip out of the way just in time, but my railway tug barely avoided a direct hit to the wheelhouse. A part of his stack got damaged.
"TOP HAT!" Sunshine cried in horror.
"I… I'm alright, ol' chap…" coughed Top Hat. "Just my stack, that's all…
"Sunshine, Zip, Top Hat, we have to get out of here, now!" shouted Pisces. Sunshine quickly tossed a towline to Top Hat.
"Come on, you two!" urged Misty. Sunshine urgently followed, tears forming in her eyes.
"Top Hat," Zip said quietly. "Y-you could have been…"
"I'm still here…" he whispered. "I'm okay…"
Meanwhile, O.J., Grampus, Zorran and Zilly were still looking for Zug when the attacks began. O.J. didn't notice an enemy ship firing a torpedo at him, but Zilly did.
"Noooooooooooooo!" Zilly cried as he charged forwards in front of O.J.. The torpedo hit some debris from earlier in the attack, and Zilly got dented.
"ZILLY!" Grampus and Zorran cried in horror.
"I-I'm alive…" he stammered. "I'm okay…"
"Quick, you three!" called O.J.. "We need to get to a safe zone!"
"Right behind you!" gasped Zorran. He swiftly threw a towline to Zilly. "It's alright, I gotcha."
"It's okay, brother," Grampus sniffled. "Oh, Moonlight Oceans… you're okay…"
"Zilly… thank you," O.J. said quietly.
"I-I'm glad y-you're okay…" replied Zilly.
Over at the Dock Railway, bombs were going away and causing fires.
"Everyone, get to the sheds, quickly!" shouted Puffa.
"Oh no!" cried Little Owl in horror.
"W-what's wrong?" asked Henney.
"The first boxcar on the munitions train! It's caught fire!" replied Little Owl.
"What?!" the logging trio cried in alarm.
"Great Railway above!" gasped Porter. "If it blows up, we're doomed!"
"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Kirke said bravely. He was coupled to the boxcar and charged towards the boarded tunnel.
"Kirke, no!" pleaded Henney.
"Come back, brother!" shouted Porter. But Kirke didn't listen and he charged into the tunnel.
"Porter! Henney! Come on!" shouted Lexi. Reluctantly, the other two BEDT engines followed and the engines all rushed to the sheds.
Kirke's engineer and stoker had jumped clear before he entered the tunnel, meaning that there was no way of stopping him. Inside, the gunpowder ignited and the tunnel collapsed.
The engines could watch in horror just as a dust cloud erupted from the tunnel mouth.
"Oh, Great Railway above, no!" Porter and Henney cried in horror.
Sally Seaplane was fighting off enemy bombers.
"Take that, Jerry!" she shouted bravely. Hail and Moonlight were bunkered down in a warehouse nearby.
"Go, Sally, go!" cheered Hail.
"Attagirl, Sally!" called Moonlight.
Suddenly, an enemy plane shot at Sally. She managed to dive lower than the attack, but it dented her wing.
"Oh no!" Hail cried in shock.
"SALLY!" cried a distraught Moonlight.
"It's okay you two…" she whispered, landing under some canopies. "I'm fine…"
Moonlight and Hail sighed in relief.
"Let's lay low for a while…" whispered Moonlight.
Big Mac, Warrior and Stormy were trying to avoid the bombs. Suddenly, Big Mac saw a bomb heading towards a fuel barge, right next to…
"WARRIOR! GIT OOT O' TH' WEY!" he shouted and he rammed his brother out of the way in time. But Big Mac barely had time to escape before the fuel barge exploded.
"BIG MACINTOSH!" shouted Warrior.
Then, as quickly as it started, the attack stopped and the enemies had been either killed or arrested. Warrior and Stormy approached a blackened Big Mac, his eyes shut.
"Big Mac…" Warrior said, tears forming in his eyes. "Wake up… Please wake up…"
Then with a cough, Big Mac opened his eyes. "Warrior, you're a'richt," he said with relief.
"Oh, Big Mac!" said Warrior with happy tears. "I thought I lost you."
"Thank goodness," Stormy said with relief.
"Hey, Big Mac," said Warrior. "Your funnel! It's been snapped!"
"Ah, weel," said Big Mac. "I'm sure Captain Lucky wull gimme a new yin."
"We'd better go and find the others," said Warrior, "and see if… Oh no!"
"Warrior, whit's wrong?" asked Big Mac. Then, he looked in horror to see Zebedee, Zip, Pisces, Scorpio, Misty and Sunshine, who was absolutely terrified, towing in Top Hat.
"Och, dear Neptune, no!" gasped Big Mac.
"What happened?!" Stormy exclaimed in horror.
"There was an enemy bomber aiming for Zip," explained Pisces.
"Top Hat was very brave," said Zebedee. "He shoved Zip out of the way in time."
Big Mac gave a small smile. "Fae reluctantly trying tae save Grampus tae pushing Zip oot o' th' wey," he said. "Ye'v come a lang wey, Tap Hat. Captain Starn wull be proud o' ye."
"I hope Captain Star and Captain Zero are alright," Top Hat said worriedly.
Then, Zip let out a horrified gasp.
"ZEBEDEE!" she shouted. Zebedee turned his wheelhouse and what he saw horrified him as well. There, coming towards them, were O.J., Zorran, Grampus and Zilly; Zorran towing in the damaged Zilly.
"Zilly saved me from a torpedo," explained O.J..
"You're a lot braver than we realised," said Zebedee weakly.
"T-Top Hat! B-Big Mac!" stammered Zilly. "W-What happened to you?!"
"You're damaged as well?!" gasped O.J..
"Top Hat saved me from an enemy bomber," said Zip.
"And Big Mac saved me from a bomb heading toward a fuel barge," added Warrior.
Then, they heard Ember, Robin, Zob, Zak and Zeus.
"Oh, thank goodness you're alrig…" Zob trailed off as he saw Top Hat, Zilly and Big Mac's damage. "Oh no!"
"They were all very brave," said Zorran. "Top Hat saved Zip from an enemy bomber, Zilly shielded O.J. from a torpedo, and Big Mac saved Warrior from a fuel barge near a bomb."
Then Hail came up.
"Sally's damaged as well." said Hail sadly. "She was fighting off enemy planes when she was almost shot down. She managed to duck to avoid being completely destroyed, but her wing is dented. Moonlight's helping her home as we speak."
"Oh, that's horrible!" gasped Misty.
"Oh no!" gasped Warrior. "Lord Stinker! He can't move out of the way on his own! And Jack is stuck in one place!"
"It's alright, Warrior," assured Zob. "Zak, Zeus and I hid near the waste dump and both Lord Stinker and Jack are alright. They've only got bruises with falling pieces of debris. But… Mr. Krieger's announcing house was destroyed and poor Mr. Krieger has a broken leg."
"Well, I'm glad Lord Stinker and Jack are alright," Warrior said, "but poor Mr. Krieger."
"Captain Lucky and Lillie are alright too," confirmed Ember, who had just arrived. "Lillie only has minor damage."
Then, they heard the four Coast Guard vessels rush up.
"Everyone, come quick!" shouted Davy Jones. "Kirke has rushed a flaming boxcar full of munitions into the old tunnel and it's collapsed! We… don't know if he's alright or not."
"Collapsed?!" shouted Pisces. "Oh no!"
Quickly, they all rushed over to the Railhead.
I'm relieved to say that Kirke made it down the other side of the tunnel. Only the back of his cab was damaged.
"He told us to jump clear before entering the tunnel," Kirke's engineer explained.
"He saved the railway from being blown up," added Kirke's stoker.
"I can't believe it," Mr. Lloyd said quietly. "Kirke… you were so brave."
"I'm just glad everyone's alive, sir," he replied.
"You've done well…" smiled Warrior. "We're all safe."
"We don't know if Ten Cents and Hercules are still out there," sighed O.J..
"And same with Zug," Zorran said sadly.
"You and Sally were so brave, Kirke," Hail said weakly, a small tear dripping from her eye.
"Oh, Kirke, we're glad you're okay!" smiled Henney.
"That was way too close," Porter said, shedding a tear. "Don't scare us like that!"
"I'm sorry," said Kirke. "It was either that or we all would have gone up."
"I just… I just can't believe it!" cried Little Owl as she burst into tears. "After I tried so hard to mend ties with you Z-Stacks… we almost lost Zilly."
"And Top Hat…" breathed Sunshine, trying to recompose herself. "You risked your life to save Zip."
"It's a near thing," sighed Top Hat. "I'm just glad we all came out of it alive."
"I'll go and ask Captain Lucky to arrange for some counseling for you engines," said Mr. Lloyd, a small tear of pride dripping from his eye as he walked back towards his office. "Especially you, Porter, Henney and Kirke."
No sooner had Mr. Lloyd walked away when two hooters sounded out, and everyone looked to see two certain Eagle Works tugs heading towards them.
"Ten Cents, Hercules! You're both alright!" called Big Mac. Then he noticed that there was another tug with them. "And it looks like they've found Zug."
"They have?!" Sunshine and Robin exclaimed happily.
"Zug! You're okay, buddy!" Zip called happily. But that happiness was about to be short-lived. Ten Cents and Hercules had grim expressions on their faces. Then, they saw that Ten Cents had a towline on Zug, who had no steam from him. In fact, his eyes were closed and his face appeared to be frozen in a neutral expression.
"Z-Zug?!" Zip asked worriedly.
"We're sorry to tell you this, Zip…" sighed Ten Cents. "You too, Sunshine… and Robin…"
"Oh no! Please, no!" Sunshine cried in horror.
"Tell me this isn't so," pleaded Robin.
"We found him inside a warehouse where I had taken Ten Cents to shield him from the explosions," explained Hercules. "Along with… this." He moved forwards to reveal he was towing a barge with a barrel of Black Water, which was completely empty.
Zip gasped in horror. "NO!" she cried.
"Oh… Zug…" sighed Zebedee as Sunshine, Zip and Robin burst into tears. "No! Of all tugs, why you?!"
"A-Ah never got the chance t-to tell him Ah l-loved him," whimpered Sunshine.
"My best friend – dead!" wailed Zip.
"Why you, brother? Why now?!" sobbed Robin. No one seemed to notice Zak and Zeus with smirks on their faces, except for Zob whose glare caused them to turn neutral.
"I can't believe it…" Zorran started to tear up. "Just when we thought everyone was going to be okay… this happened!"
"I know…" sighed Ten Cents. "I'm sorry you all had to find out this way." He looked over, shocked at the damage that Big Mac, Top Hat, Zilly and Kirke took. "Wh-what happened to you guys?!"
"There was an enemy bomber aiming for me, but Top Hat shoved me out of the way," explained Zip.
"Zilly saved me from a torpedo," added O.J.
"Kirke shunted away a boxcar full of munitions which had caught fire," continued Henney.
"Big Mac saved me from a bomb heading toward an oil barge," Warrior put in.
"Sally was fighting off enemies from the sky," finished Hail.
"At least you lot are alive…" sighed Ten Cents. "But… poor Zug… What are we going to tell Captain Zero?!" his voice broke and tears forming in his eyes.
"I don't think it's a matter of what we tell Captain Zero, but how we're going to break the bad news," Zorran said gravely.
"I'll go and help Moonlight explain to Sally's owners about what happened to her," said Hail, heading off.
"Come on, Stars and Z-Stacks, let's go and tell our captains what's happened," said Hercules.
"Oh, and by the way, Hercules," called Ember, "Lillie's alright. She just has minor damage."
"Thank you, Ember," Hercules said with relief. With that, the still-living Stars and Z-Stacks headed off; Ten Cents towing Zug's body, and Zebedee, Zorran and Warrior towing Top Hat, Zilly and Big Mac respectively.
"Right," said Stormy. "Robin and I had better go and help out where we can. There must be a lot of debris where Sally was fighting."
"Okay, we'll finish off here," called Pisces as Stormy and Robin headed off. With that, Pisces, Scorpio, Misty and Ember continued clearing up the mess. Misty burst in tears at everything that had happened.
"Hey, sis, it's okay," said Pisces.
"No, it's not!" sobbed Misty. "Top Hat, Zilly, Sally and Kirke were nearly destroyed in the attack, and Zug did not deserve the way he died. And poor Mr. Krieger was badly injured in the attack. How can that be okay?!"
"What kind of monster would do something like that to poor Zug?!" Scorpio exclaimed angrily.
Placido looked thoughtful. "I wonder if there's a connection between Zug's death and this horrific attack," he said to himself.
Although my announcing house had largely survived with only a few burn marks, Captain Zero's announcing house had been completely destroyed.
"It's a good thing you rushed over to my announcing house once the sirens went off," I said as we examined the damage. "That explosion could have killed you, leaving your fleet without a captain."
"But now," Captain Zero said gravely. "The Z-Stacks don't have a home."
"Don't worry, Sean," I said, putting on his shoulder. "You and the Z-Stacks can operate from our dock alongside us until your announcing house is rebuilt."
"Thank you, Patrick," Captain Zero replied gratefully. Then we both heard some familiar whistles. Quickly, we rushed upstairs and looked outside to see our fleets coming towards the Star Dock. We were so relieved we failed to notice their saddened expressions.
"Everyone!" I called. "Oh, thank goodness."
"You're back!" called Captain Zero. "And you've found Zug! I hope none of you got caught in the blitz."
"Weel, ah git damaged whilst pushing Warrior awa' fae a fuel barge," said Big Mac. "I'll need a new funnel though."
"I got damaged saving Zip," added Top Hat.
"And I also got damaged while saving O.J.," added Zilly.
"Don't worry, Big Mac and Top Hat," I called. "I'll call Captain Lucky to arrange it."
"Same with you, Zilly," said Captain Zero. "Now, before we go any further, I must inform you Z-Stacks that our announcing house was unfortunately destroyed in the blitz. But don't worry. Captain Star is going to let us stay at the Star Dock until it is rebuilt."
"Understood, sir," replied Zorran.
"It wouldn't do for a tug to be homeless, especially not at a time like this," agreed O.J.
"I appreciate your understanding O.J.," I replied.
"Right then," said Captain Zero. "Number off!"
The tugs (minus Zak and Zeus) and Grampus and Zilly looked at each other worriedly.
"One…" said Ten Cents and Zorran nervously.
"Two…" said Big Mac and Zebedee worriedly.
"Three…" said O.J. and Zak. The latter said it normally, while the former was biting his lips.
"Four…" called Top Hat, swallowing hard. Captain Zero's eyes darted around the dockside nervously.
"Zug?" he called. "Zug, that's your cue!"
"Stars, Z-Stacks," I called. "What's going on?!"
"Sirs…" Ten Cents choked. "We have some bad news…"
"Yes," Hercules swallowed. "When Ten Cents and I found Zug…"
"Y-You don't mean to tell me that…" Captain Zero exclaimed, realising with horror what they were implying.
"What's happened out there?" I asked in concern.
"You'd best come out here and brace yourselves," said Zorran.
Slowly nodding at each other, Captain Zero and I ventured outside. Most of the tugs and Grampus and Zilly were exchanging worried and sad looks, but Zak and Zeus had neutral expressions. Ten Cents moved Zug to the dock where we were now standing. We both stepped onto Zug's deck to get a closer look and were horrified to see his face forever frozen in place. Captain Zero stepped onto his deck.
"Zug?!" cried Captain Zero as tears came to his eyes. "No… no, wake up! Please, Zug!"
"He… he was forcefully given a Final Firing, Captain Zero…" sobbed Sunshine.
"We're really… really sorry," said O.J..
"I'm sorry, Zug…" Captain Zero sobbed. "I should have treated all my tugs better from the start… but especially you. You didn't deserve to be pawned off and abused by anyone…" I gave my rival a hug. However, through Captain Zero's weeping… I heard a groggy noise.
"Sean," I gently nudged him, "Stars, Z-Stacks, look…"
Everyone glanced over where I was pointing.
"Er… wha… what's happened?" said an all too familiar voice. "Sir? Are you… crying?"
"ZUG?!" Captain Zero's eyes widened in shock. "Y-you're alive!"
"Oh, Zug!" cried Zip.
"We thought we lost you," added Sunshine.
"It's okay girls…" breathed Zug. "I'm okay…"
When no one was looking, Zak and Zeus exchanged dark expressions.
"I don't believe it!" Zak sneered under his breath. "That pipsqueak!"
"That idiot Mr. Broke!" snarled Zeus quietly. "He must have mixed up the Black Water and Green Water!"
But no one else heard; we were too relieved to see Zug alive.
"Wait till we tell Robin the good news," gasped Zip. "She'll be so relieved."
"Thank goodness you're okay, little brother," breathed Zebedee.
"T-Thank you, Zeb," smiled Zug. His expression weakened. "But… who could have done that to me?"
"I might have a couple of suspects in mind," said O.J. darkly.
"Burke, Blair and Mr. Broke?" asked Zebedee.
"Well, they're top of my list," said O.J..
"Of course," agreed Top Hat. "Those vultures would do anything to get their sterns-slash-hands on us."
"And… sirs…" said Ten Cents. "There's… one other thing."
"Mr. Krieger was injured in his announcing house," Warrior sighed. "A beam crushed his leg."
"Oh my gosh…" I gasped. "I hope he recovers in hospital."
"He's such a good man," Captain Zero said quietly, "I hope someone can look after Jack and Lord Stinker in the meantime."
"Indeed," I agreed. "we had better seek some counselling. We're going to need it after these horrific experiences."
Everyone else quietly agreed.
"Now," I said. "In the meantime, let's finish this number off. Top Hat and Zug?"
"Four!" they called.
"Five!" came Warrior and Zip.
"Six!" Hercules and Zeus rang out; the latter was very deadpan.
"Seven!" Zob and Sunshine called.
"Eight!" Grampus and Zilly finished.
"Right then." I went on, satisfied. "Zebedee, Warrior, Zorran, take Big Mac, Top Hat and Zilly over to Lucky's. I'll contact her and let her know you're on your way."
"Ten Cents," Captain Zero called. "Could you leave Zug here?. He needs his rest."
"Yes, Captains." The four tugs went off obediently.
"Sir," asked Zug. "Has our dock been destroyed?"
"I'm afraid so, Zug" sighed Captain Zero, and he quickly explained everything.
Zip went to spread the good news to the others. They were shocked but delighted to hear this.
"Oh thank goodness!" Robin said with happy tears.
"I wonder how Zug managed to survive this," replied Stormy.
"I think Zug's kidnapper got the barrels mixed up and gave him Green Water by mistake," suggested Zip. "We think Burke and Blair had something to do with this."
"Well, we'd better keep our eyes on those two then," Stormy said darkly.
Zip and Robin quietly agreed.
I'm sorry to say that despite all the near misses we had… we received some really bad news.
"Hello?" I said into the phone. "Star Tug and Marine Company."
"Is this Captain Patrick Star?" asked the voice on the other end.
"Yes," I replied. "What can I do for you?"
"Er… Captain Star…" trailed the voice. "I… I regret to inform you that… Kristi Star was among the victims killed in the Blitz."
The phone nearly slipped from my fingers. "WHAT?!" I exclaimed. "Mother… she's…"
"I'm so sorry, Captain Star." the other person respectfully hung up.
"No…" I gulped. "No! Of all people, why her?!"
"Oh, Patrick," said Captain Zero. "I'm so sorry."
"Patrick?"
Still shaking, I glanced up. Captain Lucky and Andera slipped into the room. It was Captain Lucky who had spoken.
"You… lost your mother too?" Captain Lucky asked.
"Y-yeah…" I gulped. "Did you…"
"Both of them…" sighed Captain Lucky. "My mum and dad died in the Blitz too…"
Captain Lucky pulled me in for a hug, and Andera came in close. Captain Zero also gave us a hug out of sympathy. This news was a hard blow for us all. I nearly lost two of my tugs in the blitz, Captain Zero had also lost one of his tugs and his submarine and now… I had actually lost my mother, and Captain Lucky lost both her parents. Aside from that, 157 other people had also died in the blitz. This got to the point where my grief twisted into rage, as I asked the obvious question – why did the Nazis attack Bigg City in the first place?
Little did I realise that my son Thomas was telling my tugs the bad news.
"I'm so sorry," sighed Ten Cents. "I can't imagine what pain you're going through right now…"
"My grandmother was a wonderful woman," Thomas sighed. "At least she's no longer in pain."
"If only there was something we could do," Sunshine lamented.
"Perhaps there is," said O.J.. "I suggest we hold a funeral service for Captain Star's mother and Captain Lucky's parents."
"It's small comfort," Hercules considered, "but it's a start at least. We'll broach the idea once they're ready."
"I think that's a good idea," Thomas smiled weakly. "My father is lucky to have such good vessels like you in his fleet."
Sea Rogue filled in for Big Mac until his repairs were completed, and Zug recovered after the twenty-four hour time period was up. Big Mac's repairs were finished in time for the joint funeral, which took place a week after the attack and we all gave eulogies. The engines were onboard Frank and Eddie. Unfortunately, Top Hat, Zilly and Kirke's repairs were taking longer, due to more excessive damage, and we've yet to find vessels and an engine to fill in for them. But they were able to listen in.
"I hope they've all found peace up there," I said quietly.
"They were all good people," said Hercules. "Especially for you two to turn out so well."
"Heh, thanks Hercules," I smiled weakly.
"I would have been honoured to meet them," said Sea Rogue.
"Heh, remember when your mother would sneak us extra cookies at your house, Patrick?" giggled Captain Lucky.
"I do," I laughed. "Or what about when your mother would force me to sit down and do my hair with you and your sisters?"
"And your father, Lenore," added Captain Zero. "He would secretly homeschool you and your sisters."
"I fondly remember that," Captain Lucky smiled. "Times are so tough for women. But my dad saw potential in us that not many men did."
"Well, with so many men out at… you know," said Captain Salvage, "I believe things could be turning around. Women are taking up several jobs in the men's absence."
"It's bad that it took a war for it to get to that point," sighed Captain Lucky. "But… we'll have to see what happens when peace finally takes over."
Once the funeral service was completed, Captain Lucky and I joined our family on board O.J., who then towed the coffins with my mother and Captain Lucky's parents up to Uptown where they would be buried. The tugs and vessels all gave whistles of respect as we left.
After the funeral, Captain Zero, Mr. Lloyd and I decided to find other engines and tugs to fill in for the damaged members of the fleet. And, I'm sorry to say that there would be many more harsh times to come…
Fortunately, there was one positive thing that came out of this. Mr. Krieger did recover in hospital. He has a permanent limp, and has to use a walking stick now. But he still runs the garbage dump with Jack and Lord Stinker, and he is happily awaiting the next time Warrior comes to take his garbage runs.
To Be Continued
Author's notes: Welcome to the first confirmed AU for the TUGS series: The TUGS Survival AU. In this one, Top Hat, Kirke, Zilly, Zug and Mr. Krieger all survive the attack, and will be shown in the subsequent AU retellings. This is especially for people who can't handle the darker stuff, and it's also a bit of fun to see where these characters all end up.
Next time, the tugs have to conquer many Fears.