Saving Bigg City
Written by Jonathan Downs, Rachel Ravens and Zack Wanzer
Warning: The following story contains mentions Adolf Hitler, the Nazi regime, terrorism, explosions and near death.
It had been a week since Billy Shoepack's near death experience. Ten Cents, Big Mac, Hercules, Zorran, Zak and Zip had announced their intentions to sign up for the navy. Captain Zero and I met with Admiral Cardona to make the arrangements. During that time, I contacted the harbour master at Boston to arrange for Penny to come back, as well as to loan the harbour tug and the ocean-going tug Ariel had informed me about. Not only that but Admiral Cardona wanted to make up for what had happened to Zug, so after the indignation meeting, he offered to find some replacements for Zorran, Zak and Zip, which Captain Zero gratefully accepted. With luck, Admiral Cardona was able to contact a friend of his from the Royal Canadian Navy and there were diesel tugs available who agreed to come along and help out. Zak, Zeus and Corona did not like the idea of diesel tugs coming to Bigg City but Zorran, Zebedee and Zob were quick to put them in their place.
On the day Penny and the other tugs were due to arrive, Captain Zero and I gathered our fleets (which included Ariel, Hans and Corona) round the Star Dock to make the announcement.
"Right, everyone," I boomed, trying to keep it together. "As you know, Ten Cents, Big Mac and Hercules have volunteered to enlist in the Navy for the rest of the war. Grampus had the great idea of bringing Penny back to do Ten Cents' work whilst he's away. Thanks to Ariel, I have been aware of a harbour tug and ocean-going tug to fill in for Big Mac and Hercules."
"Furthermore," said Captain Zero, "Admiral Cardona has kindly arranged for three tugs to come from Canada to help whilst Zorran, Zak and Zip are away. Whilst there have been "concerns" about this, I can ensure these three tugs are very friendly. We've just arrived from Peeper Pipes that they've passed their custom inspections and should be with us very shortly."
Then everyone heard six hooters. Hercules was surprised as he recognised not only Penny's, but two of the other hooters as well.
"That can't be…" he gasped.
Sure enough, Penny came bustling up with excitement. The other five tugs weren't too far behind. There was a harbour tug who was painted yellow like my Star tugs. She wore a purple sailor's cap and was flying the Union Jack. Behind her was an ocean-going tug who was painted in the naval grey livery and wore a blue beret. She was so beautiful that Big Mac blushed bright red. Last but not least, three diesel tugs showed up, All three were painted in a cream livery with black stacks and had the same insignia on their stacks. The first tug had a backwards purple baseball cap and the number one on his stack. The second tug had a turquoise fishing hat and the number two on her stack. The third tug had a red baseball cap and the number four on his stack.
"Bless me… Meridian, Venus?!" Hercules exclaimed as he recognised the harbour tug and the ocean-going tug. "Is that you?"
"Hercules!" replied Venus. "It's been too long, sweetie."
"It's great to see you again," said Meridian with a smile.
"So you're Meridian and Venus!" smiled Ten Cents. "Hercules also told us about you two. Welcome to Bigg City."
"Thank you," greeted Meridian and Venus.
"And may I just say, welcome back, Penny," smiled Hercules.
"Hi, Stars, Z-Stacks! Ariel!" Penny said happily. "I heard about Top Hat, Zug and Zilly. How have you guys been?"
"We've been doing okay," sighed Sunshine, trying not to cry, "But…
"We had another near-miss recently," said Ariel sadly. "Billy Shoepack was almost murdered by his own dynamite. Although he survived the attack, he now has amnesia and can't remember everything that happened."
"What?!" Penny gasped in horror.
"Oh, gracious!" exclaimed Venus.
"We're… we're really sorry to hear that," said Meridian sympathetically.
"It's nae yer fault, lasses… ye didnae ken," replied Big Mac.
"We're glad you're here to help us, anyway," agreed Sunshine.
"Thank you, dear," smiled Venus. "And the rest of you are?"
"Oh, I'm Ten Cents," my number one tug said. "The two Star harbour tugs are Big Mac and Warrior, the paddle steamer is O.J., the other Star switcher is Sunshine, and the submarine is Grampus."
"The name's Zorran," said Captain Zero's number one tug. "The other two Zero harbour tugs are Zebedee and Zak; the Zero switcher is Zip, the railway tug is Zob, the Zero ocean-going tug is Zeus, the German U-Boat is Hans and the white switcher is Corona. These two came to help after…we lost Zilly and Zug."
"Pleased to meet you," said Meridian.
"Well, except for Hans," said Venus darkly.
"We've no idea how they ended up here," said Captain Zero. "But let me assure, I had nothing to do with this."
"I understand," said the tug with the purple cap. "Oh, by the way, I'm George the Valiant, number one tug of the Great Ocean Tug and Salvage Company in Halifax, Canada."
"I'm Emily the Vigorous," replied the tug with the turquoise hat, "number two tug of the Great Ocean Tug and Salvage Company."
"And I'm Theodore," said the tug with the red hat, "number four tug of the Great Ocean Tug and Salvage Company."
"Well, on behalf of us all," said Ten Cents, "Welcome to Bigg City Port, Venus, Meridian, Theodore, George and Emily, and welcome back, Penny."
"Venus, Meridian," said Grampus, if you don't mind me asking, how did you two end up in Massachusetts?"
"Well, after the Pearl Harbor attack," said Meridian, "I volunteered to be part of the Royal Navy convoy to the United States and arrived there not long after the New Year. It was three months later that Ariel was called away to Atlantic City, before she ended up in Bigg City after Top Hat was killed."
"As for me," sighed Venus, "I was actually at Pearl Harbor on the day of the attack. It was horrific. Multiple casualties – human, watercraft and aircraft alike. It got to the point where I asked to be transferred elsewhere, that being Massachuetts."
"Sorry tae hear that," said Big Mac.
"Indeed," said Hercules. "I always knew war was awful from what we saw with the last one, but this might just be the deadliest conflict in human history."
"Did you experience any attacks back home, Theodore?" asked Sunshine.
"Yes, but thankfully our friends survived the attack," said Theodore. "Although Hank, Foduck, Rebecca and Northumberland's repairs are taking a long time due to extensive damage from the conflict."
"Och, that's nasty," winced Big Mac. "Still, Ah'm glad they're still alive. Ah wis almost killed efter savin' Warrior fae a bomb."
"Well, I'm glad you survived," said Emily.
"So am I," agreed Warrior.
"All the same," I said, "Captain Zero and I are grateful for you six coming to help.
"Oh, by the way," said Ten Cents. "A few years ago, we learnt a surprising fact about Zob. Turns out he is also ex-Navy but served under a different name."
"A different name?" gasped Penny. "You don't mean Pennsylvania Railroad No. 9?"
"Indeed," replied Zob. "I'll fill in later."
Then Venus noticed Zip's builder plate. "Were you built at Tulloch Works in California?" she asked.
"Er… yes. Why?" replied Zip.
"Well…" replied Venus, revealing her builder plate, which indicated she, too, was a Tulloch Works tug, which prompted a gasp from Zip.
"I've got a big sister?!" Zip said in surprise.
"You sure do… Oh, I've always wanted a little sibling," said Venus happily. "Hercules said he was looking forward to meeting his little brother too."
"And it turns out I'm his little sister," chimed Penny.
"You are?!" exclaimed Meridian. "Oh wow, that's amazing."
"Well, we both have another sibling too, Venus," added Zip. "His name is Zion. If you see him, be sure to say hello."
"Zion?" Venus asked in shock. "Er… would he happen to be a bit pessimistic, but honorable and hardworking?"
"That's him," replied Zip. "We had a falling out last time we saw each other, but I want to make amends."
Venus, Penny and Ariel looked at each other sadly.
"…oh no. Not him too," Zip said, her voice breaking.
"He… he was bombed during the Pearl Harbour attack," Penny said, trying to fight back tears.
"I was helping to evacuate survivors when he took a hit to the side," explained Venus, "He'd been fighting an enemy plane. Zion was very badly damaged. He's… he's being repaired as we speak, but it's taking a while."
"Zion said he had heard about your turnaround and had hoped to make amends too," said Ariel, "Maybe one day, we'll make that happen."
"What a brave tug…" Zip said through tears, "I… I hope he pulls through…"
"I'll see if we can arrange a day for you to meet up when the war is over," promised Captain Zero.
"T-Thank you, Captain Zero…" said Zip.
"He would have been the perfect tug to fill in for Zug," sighed Zorran.
"I think he would have made a great member for any fleet," said Geogre.
"Indeed," agreed O.J. With that, the tugs lowered their flags to half-mast. Once the moment's silence was over, Zorran turned to Theodore, Emily and George.
"If I can give you some advice," he said gravely, "be careful around Zeus, Hans and Corona. Zeus and Zak are bad enough on their own but we've had some unpleasant history with Hans and Corona. Penny and Venus will be aware of Hans' past, especially given the latter helped Hercules to stop him and Otto from destroying the SS Clearwater. Plus they, along with Meridian, met Zeus back in the war and will know what he's like. Plus, Ten Cents told Ariel and Penny about Corona and no doubt they did the same with Meridian and Venus."
"Penny warned us about those three and Zak," said Emily. "Don't worry, Zorran. But we appreciate the warning."
"And we'll look out for any sign of trouble from any Nazi-slash-Nazi sympathizer," added George.
"We'd appreciate that," replied O.J.
"Right then," said Hercules. "Ten Cents, Big Mac, Zorran, Zak, Zip, it's time we got going."
"I'll phone Captain Lucky and let her know you three are on your way," I said to Ten Cents, Big Mac and Hercules.
"Ten Cents, Big Mac, Hercules… godspeed to you three," called Grampus. "You too, Zorran, Zak and Zip."
"Thank you, Grampus," said Hercules as he, Ten Cents, Big Mac, Zorran, Zak and Zip set off.
"Good luck, guys," called Penny.
"It was great seeing you again, Hercules," called Meridian. "And it was nice meeting you, Ten Cents, Big Mac, Zorran and Zip."
"It was nice meeting you," called Theodore. "Good luck."
"Godspeed, my tugs…" I called with a shaky voice. "Come back safely."
"Right then," said O.J., "Zebedee, Zob, Sunshine, Warrior, Grampus, Ariel, let's show Penny and our new friends around."
Whilst the tugs and Grampus set off, Captain Zero and I went down to my office and I picked up the phone.
"Lucky's Yard; Marine Repairs. How may I help you?" said Captain Lucky's voice.
"Hello, Lenore," I said, "Ten Cents, Big Mac and Hercules are on their way with Zorran, Zak and Zip to get ready for military service."
"Ah yes, Captain Zero phoned to see that Zorran, Zak and Zip were on their way too," said Captain Lucky. "Thanks for letting me know, Patrick. The radios for them have arrived and I've got the grey paint ready. Once they're ready, I'll send them up to base."
"Thanks, Lenore," I said, "but you might want to keep Zip back for a talk. She's just learnt that her brother Zion was bombed at Pearl Harbour and is under extensive repairs."
"Oh, that's awful," gasped Captain Lucky.
"Indeed," I sighed, "Captain Zero has promised for the two switchers to meet up once the war is over by which time Zion should be better. I'll get back to you, then."
"Understood. Goodbye, Patrick," said Captain Lucky and we both hung up our phones. I then picked up my schedule and went back upstairs.
At Lucky's Yard, Captain Lucky heard the six tugs' hooters.
"Ahoy, Captain Lucky," said Ten Cents.
"Greetings, ma'am," said Hercules.
"Hello tugs," said Captain Lucky, "Captain Star called and told me you were here to get ready for military service. Oh, and Zip, I've heard about what happened to your brother. My deepest condolences, dearie. Captain Star has asked that you stay behind for a talk."
"Ok, thank you, Captain Lucky," said Zip with a sad smile. "And just when I learnt I have a big sister as well."
"What do you mean?" Captain Lucky asked.
"The tug that's filling in for Hercules," said Ten Cents, "is his old friend, Venus, and it turns out that she was built at the same works as Zip."
"My goodness!" exclaimed Captain Lucky. "That's amazing!"
"Aye," said Big Mac. "'N' it's nae wonder Hercules almost fell in love with her. She's the most beautiful tug Ah've ever seen." Ten Cents had to bite his lip to stop himself from chuckling.
"Yes, but we agreed to end the relationship due to the war effort," said Hercules. "Besides, I found the woman I love the moment I arrived at Bigg City – the most beautiful lightship I've ever seen."
"Oh thank you, Hercules," smiled Lillie.
"What about the rest of you?" asked Captain Lucky. "What are your replacements like?"
"Well, you'll be pleased to know that Penny is back," said Ten Cents. "She's my replacement. Another friend of Hercules', Meridian, is covering for Big Mac."
"The same Meridian from Southampton?" asked Captain Lucky.
"That's the one, old darling," replied Hercules.
"Well, it'll be nice to see Penny again," said Captain Lucky, "and I'm looking forward to meeting Meridian and Venus."
"Oh, you'll like those two," said Zorran. "I know we do. Also, Admiral Cardona chartered three tugs from Canada to loan to our fleet while we're away. Their names are Theodore, Emily and George. They're very friendly as well."
"I'm looking forward to meeting them," smiled Captain Lucky. "Right then, let's get you three ready for military service. I'll do you last, Zip, so you can give your counselling."
With that, Captain Lucky had the six tugs' numbers and insignias removed and stored away before repainting the tugs into a temporary grey livery. Zip had her talk with Captain Lucky before going last. The six tugs were also fitted with radios and fighter guns., and were also assigned codenames: Ten Cents was "Star Partridge", Big Mac was "Turtle Dove", Hercules was "Greek Goose", Zorran was "Pear Tree", Zak was "French Hen" and Zip was "Golden Ring". Once that was completed, Admiral Cardona and Jimbo arrived for inspection and had the six tugs officially inducted into the military's ranks as the 110th Flotilla of the Bigg City Reserve Corps. Due to his previous experience in the Navy, Hercules was given the great honor of being named its commanding officer. The six tugs were then escorted to the naval base. For the rest of the war, the Flotilla would go on patrol around the harbour and be ready to defend Bigg City in the event of another attack, although Zak's motives were still suspicious. Why would he suddenly go from supporting Hitler to fighting against him? It didn't make sense.
The Salvage Fleet were delighted to see Penny again. Also, it was discovered that Pisces, Misty, Scorpio, Ember and Stormy had met Venus at different parts in their navy days before Captain Salvage had bought them, who was quickly acquainted with Hail and Moonlight. The Salvage Fleet also befriended Meridian, Theodore, Emily and George. The six visiting tugs also made friends with Robin, Sea Rogue and O'Malley as well as the engines on the Dock Railway.
"So, what do you think of Bigg City?" asked Hail.
"I think we're going to enjoy our stay here," smiled Theodore.
"Poor Zip though," sighed Misty. "Almost losing her brother like that."
"I know how that feels," agreed Robin, remembering what almost happened with Zug.
"Well, Captain Zero has to arrange a reunion for Zion after the war is over," said Venus.
Penny, Meridian, Venus, George, Emily and Theodore performed excellently in Ten Cents, Big Mac, Hercules, Zorran, Zak and Zip's places.
"Hey, Theodore," called Penny. "Could you help Sunshine and me with securing Mighty Mo?"
"Sure thing," called Theodore.
"Why are you two accepting help from that diesel tug?" Corona said indignantly.
"Because Theodore is a friendly tug," replied Sunshine, "and I trust him far more than you do."
"Just you wait," Corona said darkly. "Theodore and those other two tugs he came with are plotting steam's downfall as we speak."
"No, I'm not!" snapped Theodore, his feelings hurt.
"Take it from me," Corona said smugly. "You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there."
"I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks," retorted Penny.
Corona just fumed and stormed off.
"What a rude switcher," huffed Theodore. "It makes me feel so grumpy at the moment."
"So she's not learnt her lesson after all," sighed Sunshine. "She's still that brat I cut ties with in 1926."
"You're not the only one with problems," sighed George as he and Emily approached some steel barges. "Zeus accused us of plotting steam's downfall when we're just here to cover for Zorran, Zak and Zeus."
"It took Meridian hitting Zeus with a barge to shut him," put in Emily. "I daren't repeat what Venus said to him afterwards."
"Take no notice of her, Theodore," assured Penny. "I don't care what fuel type you use. All that matters is that you're friendly and helpful."
"Thanks, Penny," said Theodore as he, Emily and George began to feel a little better.
Venus was helping to bring a tramper when she came across O.J and Ariel.
"Ah, Venus," called the paddle steamer. "How is it going?"
"Very well, sweetie," said Venus. "Although Meridian and I had to tell Zeus off for his rude comments towards Emily and George. I don't think you want to know what I said to him after Meridian hit him with a barge."
"I guess Zeus is just a lost cause," sighed Ariel. "He was built a narcissist jerk, he'll die a narcissist jerk."
Meridian then came up with a barge of stone. "Maybe Captain Zero should just sack Zeus and replace him with you, Venus," she said. "You're far more pleasant than that lout."
"And maybe Captain Zero should replace Zak with Ariel," said Grampus.
"Well, one thing is certain," said O.J. to Ariel, Meridian and Venus, "You three, along with Penny, Theodore, Emily and George, have done an excellent job for both our fleets."
"Thank you, O.J.," smiled Ariel.
Months went by, leading to 1943. A S100 tank engine would come to the Dock Railway.
"Now, where is that new tank engine…" muttered Zob. "She should be here…"
"Hello!" a new voice whistled.
"Whoa!" cried Zob. "Watch it, kid!"
"Oh, where's your sense of humor?" she giggled.
"We are in a wartime situation," Zob said sternly. "There's no time for jokes."
"I'm sorry," she sighed. "I just thought I could get others to look on the bright side. I mean, we're helping others through this tough time, right?"
"I… guess so," said Zob. "Oh, I'm Zob of the Zero Fleet. What's your name?"
"I… I unfortunately don't have a name," said the tank engine. "Just the number 73. I'm coming to have my shakedown period here before heading off to Europe."
"Oh… I see," Zob said quietly. "Well… I just wish to warn you, No. 73. I served on the frontline during the First World War and the horrors there were unspeakable."
"I will," promised No. 73. "Wait, the First World War?"
"It's what they're calling The Great War now." sighed Zob. "This is now called World War II. It's… just as bad, if not worse than the first one."
"I understand," sighed No. 73. "I hope it ends soon. We've lost too many lives already."
"Me too," said Zob. "Keep your buffers crossed… and I'll keep my deck crossed."
Just then, Theodore came up with a delivery of fuel for the Logging engines.
"Hello, Theodore," called Porter. "How is it going?"
"Great, thanks," smiled the Canadian tug. "Emily and George are enjoying their time as well."
"Hopefully, you can come back and visit us after the war is over," said Puffa.
"It would be nice," smiled Theodore.
"You, George and Emily have been a godsend to us," complimented Zob. "You do your work without any fuss or complaint and are some of the most pleasant tugs we've ever met, which is more than can be said for Zak, Zeus and Corona."
"Speaking of Zak," Theodore said thoughtfully while biting his lip, "didn't you say that he once said he agreed with Hitler's ideas?"
"Y-yes," stuttered Henney.
"Then why would he suddenly go from saying that Hitler was a great guy when we know he's the exact opposite to deciding to fight the Germans?"
"Now that you mention it," replied Zob, "it can't be a coincidence that Zak volunteered on the same day Billy Shoepack was murdered."
"Do you think Zak was the one who killed Billy?" gasped Ariel.
"That must be why he volunteered!" exclaimed Maeve. "He's trying to avoid detection!"
"We'd better get this information to Captain Zero," said Mr. Lloyd.
"Sorry, sir," said Zob, "but Captain Zero, Captain Lucky and Captain Star have gone to a meeting this afternoon in Mittsville and the curfew will be starting soon, meaning that as soon as they get back, they'll be going straight home."
"I'll let him know first thing in the morning," promised Mr. Lloyd. "In the meantime, we'd better return to the sheds and docks."
"Good idea," said Theodore as he docked the fuel barge. "Goodnight, everyone," he called.
"Good night," they called. Little did Mr. Lloyd know that Captain Zero was about to learn the horrifying truth for himself.
It was around 5:45 pm that Captain Zero, Captain Lucky and I left the meeting at Mittsville. Warrior, Venus and Zug passed by on their way back from Uptown after making a delivery.
"Can we offer a lift?" offered Venus.
"Thank you, kindly," I said with a smile.
The three of us climbed aboard Venus and we set off back for the port.
Warrior, Venus and Zug decided to take a short cut through one of the old docks. It was there we encountered five tugs in a naval grey livery. We smiled as we recognised them. It was Ten Cents, Big Mac, Hercules, Zorran and Zip out on patrol.
"Well, well, well," said Warrior, "Evening Big Mac. Hello everyone."
"Hullo, Warrior," chuckled Big Mac. "Hardly recognize me, don't ye?"
"It is hard to recognise you lot without your regular colours," said Venus. "And how is it going, dears?"
"It's going great, sis," replied Zip. "No trouble so far."
"Plus, Zak has been unusually well-behaved," admitted Zorran.
"Er… yeah…" Zug winced. "G-Glad he's been kept in line."
"Are you alright, Zug?" asked Captain Zero. "You're making Zilly seem fearless."
"N-no…" Zug admitted. "I… I was hoping to see Captain Lucky for therapy."
"Of course, dearie," said Captain Lucky. "We'll do it tomorrow."
"Of course you can Zug," nodded Captain Zero. "Now, we need to head back to our respective docks before the curfew kicks in. I don't know about you but I don't fancy seeing the swastika over the Zero Dock. Say, shouldn't Zak be with you?"
"He was with us," explained Ten Cents, "but then he turned down here suddenly. We don't know what's going on."
"Wait! What's that?" asked Captain Lucky, noticing something red nearby.
We all went for a closer look and, to our horror, we saw the swastika hanging above a warehouse.
"This maun be the Nazi's hidoot," gasped Big Mac.
"Oh… oh no no no no!" gulped Zug.
"Well, well, well," sneered a voice. "What do we have here?" Out from the shadows emerged Blair, only now he was wearing the swastika on his mast. Burke also emerged with the swastika flying on his mast.
But it didn't stop there. We looked to see Corona, Nightshade, Oleander and Foxglove emerge with the swastika on their masts as well, followed by Hans and Otto. Ten Cents looked and saw Zeus with the swastika as well. And last but not least, Zak emerged, not only with the swastika on his mast, but Ursula Zero and Mr. Broke on his deck. Both were wearing armbands with the swastika.
"This is perfect," said Ursula, "My idiotic husband's manipulative rival, that tug-loving flower girl, four of the falling Stars, three of the soon-to-be former Z-Stacks, a naval ocean-going tug, and best of all, my idiotic husband himself. Now the fun can really begin. Well done, Zak."
"W-What is the meaning of this?!" Captain Zero spluttered in disbelief.
"I think… this is a hostile takeover," said Zorran in shock.
"And the scrap dealers are in on this," gasped Warrior.
"I know, I know," replied Mr. Broke, "It's terrible. I am so ashamed. But I had no choice. My mother needed an operation. See, she got injured playing a game of badminton. She got too close to the sides and, uh...she broke her back really bad." Mr. Broke seemed to be sobbing but then he burst out laughing. "Oh, I'm sorry. I couldn't do it any longer. Money! I'm a greedy little so-and-so who did it for the money."
Now Mr. Broke didn't actually say so-and-so; this is just a placeholder for a more vulgar word.
"Hilarious," Zip said sarcastically.
"Yeah, but I had you going there for a second, didn't I?" Mr. Broke said, before speaking in a Captain Zero expression, "'Hello, Admiral Cardona? I need Zug to collect an urgent delivery from the old quayside'." As he laughed, Captain Zero, Zorran and Zip's faces turned bright red with anger as they put two-and-two together.
"It was you, wasn't it?!" growled Captain Zero. "You broke into my office whilst I was at that meeting and made that fake phone call to the admiral! You lured Zug into a trap so that you could pour Black Water into his system... and, worst of all, Top Hat and Zilly ended up damaged whilst they were looking for him!"
"I-It's true…" Zug bit his lip. "T-they tried to kill me, and Billy Shoepack…"
"Zug?!" gasped Zorran. "Why didn't you say something?"
"I… I…" poor Zug started sobbing.
"Heh, he was too scared for what we would do," smirked Urusla. "Ah yes, I remember it all too well."
"N-no!" snapped Zug. "I'll tell it you sea witch!" Still shaking, Zug told his tale.
April 9, 1942
Ursula and her gang were ready and waiting when I arrived at the old quay. Otto was in position to pounce on me.
"Hello?" I called. "Hello? Where can I find the delivery?"
"Right here, pipsqueak!" yelled Otto who pounced on me.
"H-help!" I cried, but no one else could hear. Otto took me inside the warehouse and all of his team were waiting.
"Ah, welcome, Zug," said Blair. "We've been expecting you."
"W-What do you w-want from m-me?" I 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 Zeus, "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," I insisted.
"That doesn't matter!" Ursula snapped. "We're going to arrange it so Captain Zero never has to worry about you." I turned to Mr. Broke. "Fetch the barrel."
"Yes, ma'am," Mr. Broke replied, walking away.
"W-what barrel?" I asked.
"We've got something special planned just for you," said Corona.
Moments later, Mr. Broke came back with a barrel. What neither of us realised at the time was that he had mixed the two barrels up.
"T-The Final Firing?!" I gulped. "But w-why?!"
"We've arranged a little surprise for the residents of Bigg City Port," Burke replied, "and you're going to help distract them until it arrives."
"A s-surprise!" I asked. "W-why don't I l-like the sound of it?"
"Because...IT'S TO DIE FOR!" exclaimed Foxglove.
"YOU MEAN BIGG CITY IS GOING TO BE ATTACKED?!" I cried in alarm.
"Correct," replied Zak. "Even as we speak, a German naval convoy is approaching Bigg City and will launch the attack when Hans gives the word."
"And now," Ursula said as Mr. Broke handed the barrel, "the moment we've been waiting for." With that, I opened both the barrel and Zug's tank. Then, she tipped the barrel and began pouring it in.
"N-no…" I breathed as tears poured out of my eyes. "I don't want to go. I don't want to go. Please, I don't want to go. I'm...sorry." Those were my almost final words as I drew what I thought was my last breath.
"There," Ursula said, feeling satisfied. "My husband is finally free of that little runt."
"Now that that's sorted," said Mr. Broke, "we better go to a safe spot and watch the fireworks."
"You go ahead," grunted Zak. "Zeus and I are going back to the Zero Dock so Captain Zero doesn't get suspicious."
"And I vill go vith them so I can vatch them from ze shadows and contact ze convoy," replied Hans.
"Good idea," Urusla replied. With that, they went our separate ways and left me in that warehouse until Ten Cents and Hercules found me.
Present Day
"Placido was right," gasped Ten Cents; poor Zug was sobbing as Captain Zero rubbed Zug's side of his deck. "The attack was connected to Zug's near death. They attempted to kill Zug as a distraction. But why would you ally yourselves to Hitler in the first place? Hans and Otto, I can only guess why."
"After Corona and the Poison Plant trio's plot to kill Sunshine was foiled," replied Mr. Broke, "they had been hiding out at my breaker's yard. Then after the Bridge Care incident, Ursula got Zak and Zeus involved and invited Corona, Nightshade, Oleander and Foxglove to join in so they could replace Zorran, Zebedee, Zip and Zob."
"We decided to join in as well as it meant more scrap for us," put in Burke.
"Especially if it meant killing the Star Tugs as well," said Blair,. "And then we would finally get O.J.."
"Then after ze spy incident," explained Otto, "Ursula invited me und Hans to join our gang, und it was zen zat ve revealed that Zeus has a history vith us."
"No!" gasped Captain Zero. "You don't mean…"
"That's right, Captain Zero," Zeus said with an evil grin. "I was Hans and Otto's informative during the Clearwater incident."
"I knew it!" exclaimed Hercules.
"You monster!" snapped Venus. "You don't deserve to be named after a Greek God, let alone the King of the Greek Gods."
"I was also the one who arranged for Hans and Corona to help after Zug and Zilly were almost killed," said Mr. Broke, "and would have arranged for the Poison Plant trio to help when Zorran, Zak and Zip were serving in the Navy had it not been for the curfew."
"All because someone lost their flag when he nearly killed that stupid alligator tug!" snapped Nightshade. "It was lucky he lost his memory so he wasn't caught!" This prompted a sheepish cough from Zak, which indicated he was the one who had almost killed Billy Shoepack.
"And that's why Zak joined the Navy!" snapped Zorran. "He didn't want to get caught and this was the perfect cover for him! Why else would he join the Navy despite his views on Hitler?"
Sensing what was going to happen, Captain Lucky urged Captain Zero to get onto Venus' deck when she got onto Zug's.
"I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO ENRAGED IN ALL MY LIFE!" roared Captain Zero with angry tears, this time from complete betrayal. "NOT ONLY DID YOU TWO GO BEHIND MY BACK TO TRY AND UNDERMINE, NOT ONLY DID YOU MURDER ZUG WITH BLACK WATER AND BILLY SHOEPACK WITH HIS DYNAMITE, NOT ONLY DID YOU ORCHESTRATED THE MASS MURDERERS OF INNOCENT PEOPLE AS WELL TOP HAT, ZILLY, SALLY SEAPLANE AND KIRKE, BUT WORST OF ALL, YOU ALLIED THEMSELVES TO THE MOST EVIL MAN ON THIS PLANET! WELL, I CAN SAFELY SAY THIS IS THE STONE THAT SANK THE BARGE! ZAK AND ZEUS, YOU TWO ARE OFFICIALLY FIRED!" He threw off his wedding ring and tossed it into the sea. "AND URSULA, I WANT A DIVORCE!"
"You lot can save your excuses for Peeper Pipes, Davy Jones, Cappy, Snowy and Officer Star when we report this to them!" snapped Captain Lucky. She rarely got angry, but this deceit was enough to enrage her.
"Mark my words!" I said darkly. "When the authorities get a hold of you, you will wish you were never born or had the First Firing!"
"Well, the one person I wish was never born is you!" snapped Ursula, pointing a gun at me.
"PATRICK!" Captain Zero cried in dismay. Then, just as Ursula pulled the trigger, he pushed me out of the way and took the shot to one of his legs.
"SEAN!" Captain Lucky and I cried in alarm.
"CAPTAIN ZERO!" Ten Cents, Big Mac, Hercules, Warrior and Venus yelled in horror.
"SIR!" cried Zug.
"Oh no! Not again!" gulped Zorran.
"Oh blast!" groaned Ursula. "That was my final bullet!"
"Someone call an ambulance!" shouted Zip. Captain Lucky was already racing toward the nearest phone.
I managed to catch Captain Zero before his leg gave out entirely.
"Hang on, Sean," I said with a shaky voice and tears forming in my eyes. "Lenore will be back soon…and I'll look after your remaining tugs as well as Theodore, Emily and George whilst you're in hospital."
"Thanks Patrick…" Captain Zero sobbed through heavy breaths, "And one more thing… Venus, you're to replace Zeus in the Z-Stacks… and Ariel is to replace Zak…"
"Understood, sir," said Venus, trying to keep herself composed.
"It'll be okay, Captain Zero," said Zorran with tears of his own.
"Don't worry, help will come," sighed Zip sadly, before her face turned to anger. Then, with angry tears, she turned to the Nazi sympathizers. "MURDERER!" she screamed at Ursula. "YOU MURDEROUS, DECEITFUL SEA WITCH! HE WAS WORKING SO HARD TO BECOME A BETTER MAN BUT YOU GO BEHIND HIS BACK TO TRY AND UNDERMINE HIM! AND YOU LOT ARE NO BETTER! LIKE CAPTAIN ZERO SAID, YOU WENT ALONG WITH THIS HEINOUS PLOT ALL FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR OWN SELFISH NEEDS, AND NOW CAPTAIN ZERO IS INJURED TOO! THERE'S A SPECIAL PLACE IN DAVY JONES' LOCKER FOR NARROW MINDED BIGOTS LIKE YOU!"
"YOU NEARLY KILLED ME AND SEVERAL MEMBERS OF BOTH FLEETS!" added Zug, taking everyone aback. "YOU TWO DON'T DESERVE TO BE Z-STACKS! AND ZEUS, YOU'RE NOT BROTHER OF MINE! ZEBEDEE IS MUCH BETTER THAN YOU!"
Zeus growled like a wild animal, ready to attack its prey. "You little brat!" he sneered. "No one calls me a narrow-minded bigot or not fit to be in the Z-Stacks AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!" With a loud blast of his hooter, Zeus charged towards Zip and Zug but Venus blocked his way. "OUT OF THE WAY VENUS!" he thundered. "THOSE SCRAPPY LITTLE SWITCHERS IS MINE!"
"YOU WILL NOT HARM MY LITTLE SISTER OR HER BEST FRIEND, YOU FASCIST BULLY!" roared Venus and the two ocean-going tugs were engaged into a wrestling match of sorts.
"Ten Cents!" shouted Hercules. "Get Captain Star, Captain Lucky and Captain Zero out of here!"
"It's okay, Sean!" said Captain Lucky who had just come back. She and I lifted him onto Ten Cents. "We'll meet the ambulance at another dock."
"I'll go and warn the others!" called Ten Cents as he reserved away.
Hercules, Zorran and Big Mac began firing at the other tugs. Then Big Mac ran out of ammo. "Och no!" he groaned.
"You're a sunk tug, Big Mac!" snarled Otto, charging towards him.
"Git awa' fae me!" yelled Big Mac, who failed to notice he was backing close to the quayside.
"LEAVE MY BROTHER ALONE!" roared Warrior as he threw a towline and pulled Otto away from Big Mac. Warrior then pushed Otto into the quayside instead but didn't notice that the German tug was carrying a barrel of Green Water which fell over and burst open, leaking into Otto's system. "You'll be reported to the coast guard –" Warrior began.
"Warrior, look!" cried Big Mac as he noticed Otto struggling to breathe.
"Oh, nein!" cried Otto. "Vot's happening to me?" Otto tried to breathe but he suddenly died.
"W-what just happened?" asked Warrior, all shaken.
"Ah don't know," replied Big Mac until he noticed the barrel, "Hud on minute! Is that… Green Water?"
"I-it must be…" gasped Warrior, "Oh… oh no… I… almost killed him!"
"Alright, calm down, Warrior," said Big Mac, realising the gravity of the situation, "A'm sure there's a reasonable…"
"BIG MAC! I ALMOST KILLED HIM!" Warrior yelled in despair.
Venus rammed Zeus into the quayside, causing a crane to swing a crate in his eye.
"Ouch!" Zeus groaned; he now had a black eye.
"Abort! Abort!" Ursula shouted to her group. "We'll kill them another time." With that, the evil group retreated.
Once they had gone, Big Mac, Warrior, Zorran, Zip and Venus looked over at the now comatosed Otto.
"Thare wis a barrel o Green Water on board," explained Big Mac. "Otto wis tryin' tae git me but Warrior pullit him away 'n'…"
"... I rammed too hard," sobbed Warrior. "Now he's in a coma, because of me."
"Big Mac, you and Venus had better take Warrior to the Star Dock," said Hercules. "Tomorrow morning, we must gather at the Railhead for an indignation meeting."
"Zip, you go back with Hercules," said Zorran. "I'm going to tell Zebedee and Zob the bad news. Zug, back to the Z-Stack dock with me."
"And… what about Otto?" asked Warrior nervously.
"I'll hand him to the authorities," said Hercules, throwing a towline to the comatosed tug.
With that, the six tugs set off, all shaken by all that had happened.
The next morning, we all gathered at the Railhead and everyone was shocked with the information they learnt.
"So Captain Zero's wife has been leading a group of Nazi sympathisers to try and take over Bigg City!" Hail gasped in horror.
"And Zak, Zeus, Burke, Blair, Otto, Hans, Corona, Nightshade, Foxglove, Oleander, Mr. Broke are her lackeys!" growled Stormy. "And that Otto had a near miss because he mistook green water for black. Go figure."
"Still poor Captain Zero," sighed Zebedee. "He didn't deserve an injury like that. No one does."
"And because of his near death," I replied, "a seal has been opened... My rival Sean Zero is feared by many, loved by few, and misunderstood by no one, except me, Captain Lucky and Captain Salvage… Captain Zero may have performed some underhanded tasks, but he turned himself around. Though sometimes calculating, he does care deeply about his tugs at the end of the day. He is easily hated upon... Zero is not perfect, and mostly he is my rival. But he became my friend, and those who are responsible for his near death will be punished... I promise you that… Now, who's with me?"
"I'm with you, Captain Star," said Zob. "He is my Captain and I will not let his killers take over Bigg City."
"I think Zob speaks with us remaining Z-Stacks," Zip put in.
"Y-yes," agreed Zug. "We can't let him suffer like this."
"Hear, hear," said everyone else.
"Alright, everyone," instructed Pisces. "We must keep a lookout for those villains as we go about our work. If anyone sees anything suspicious, alert Peeper Pipes and his team or the police immediately."
"Let's go and catch those despicable monsters!" snapped Stormy.
"And, Zorran, Zug, Zip, Zob and Zebedee," I added, "you five can come to my Dock for a while. You too, Theodore, Emily and George."
"Thank you, Captain Star," smiled Zebedee weakly.
"And Zug," I said, "I recommend you see Captain Lucky for consoling."
"A wise choice, Captain Star," agreed Zug. "I'll do it."
"Come on, dearie," said Captain Lucky. "Let's see what we can do."
Ursula's gang were hiding out at a disused part of the scrapyards.
"I don't believe this!" groaned Ursula. "Not only is Captain Star still out there, but one of our own has been arrested, and all because of that clumsy oaf who works for him!"
"I say we pay them out! No one dares to mess with one of our own!" shouted Zeus.
"Yeah...but how?" asked Zak.
"I say we lure them into the open oceans, send for a German battleship and use them as target practice," said Oleander.
"They'll be anticipating another attack, you idiot!" snapped Nightshade.
Then an evil grin crossed Corona's face as she came up with something. "Alright, so here's what I got."
She then whispered her plans to the others, who all chuckled in response.
"Oh, this is going to be good," chortled Ursula, the others lightly cackling in agreement.
The cackles of the Nazi group echoed through the night.
To Be Continued
Arthur's notes: Not too many changes this time around. "Death" is changed to "near death", and Captain Zero merely gets shot in the leg. Zug also gets a bigger role toward the end (Naturally, he's alive in this AU).
Next time, tune in for part 2 where the Tugs continue to try and Save Bigg City.