Aftermath
Written by Jonathan Downs, Rachel Ravens and Zack Wanzer
One thing I forgot to mention in the previous story was that there were unanimous numbers of voices calling for all those who participated in the rescue mission to be awarded medals, and that's exactly what happened. Top Hat, Zilly, Kirke and Sally were also given medals for their heroic actions on the day of the Bigg City Blitz.
After the war ended in 1945, Ten Cents, Big Mac, Hercules, Zorran and Zip were honorably discharged from the Navy with their flotilla disbanded and the five tugs set off for Lucky's Yard. I had also bought Moonlight off the Salvage Fleet, after which Captain Salvage not only pursued Robin off his owners but even gave them a job in her fleet as well with Robin taking over Moonlight's number seven. Venus, Ariel and Penny were also honorably discharged from the navy and sold to Captain Zero. They also had a new announcing house built with a single storey to accommodate Captain Zero's disability. That way, he could give the announcements from his office.
Now, it was no surprise that Ariel and Venus were given the numbers 3 and 6 to replace Zak and Zeus, respectively. To be quite honest, we all wanted to forget those two brutes as quickly as possible, heh, so none of us had any objections. Penny became the Z-Stacks number 9, and Moonlight became the Stars number 9. How Captain Zero and I manage to keep up with each other is something I've never figured out. Ten Cents, Big Mac, Hercules, Zorran and Zip were repainted back into their corporate liveries, while the new recruits were given repaints to match their new homes as well. Now Ariel, Penny and Venus were allowed to keep their names and unlike their new colleagues, they didn't wear the traditional black fedora as they felt they didn't suit them. Grampus and Zilly had even decided to get repainted into the Star Fleet and Z-Stacks colours as well to fit in more with the families.
After that, they made their way to the Star Dock where Ten Cents, Big Mac, Hercules, Zorran and Zip were given a hero's welcome. It was announced that Meridian, Henney, Lexi, Placido and Maeve would leave for the UK at the end of September. Theodore, Emily and George were to return to Canada and Tillie was to return to the Indian Valley Railroad at the same time. Lillie Lightship was also back to her normal spot near Dem Der Rocks.
Of course, whilst the physical damage was repaired, we had to adjust to a new normal as was evident with the briefings that Zero and I gave.
"Good morning, Star Fleet," I boomed through the megaphone.
"Morning, Captain," the tugs called.
"Here's the order of operations for today. Ten Cents, Lillie Lightship needs some fuel."
"Got it, sir," he called.
"Sunshine, go to the estuary with Little Ditcher and Pearl," I continued.
"Alright, good," said Sunshine happily, "Ah like Pearl and Little Ditcher."
"Moonlight, you're to take fuel to Sally Seaplane."
"Be sure you don't chat her up too much while you're there, Moonlight," teased Sunshine.
"Oh, hush up, you," Moonlight hissed.
"O.J., Warrior, Big Mac, you three on logging detail," I continued.
"Aye, sir," replied Big Mac.
"I wonder if we'll see the Salvage fleet up there and see how Robin is getting on," O.J. commented.
"Or Sea Rogue, O'Malley and Billy," put in Warrior. "I… I wonder how he's coping with his amnesia."
"I hope he's alright." said Moonlight. "If you do see the group, tell them I said hi."
"Meridian," I said, "there's a delivery of stone needed for a tramper."
"Yes sir," she replied.
"Hercules, you're up the coast looking for ships who need a tow," I continued. "You may see Venus up there."
"It's good to have company up the coast," smiled Hercules. "I'll say hello if I see her."
"Grampus, you're on patrol of the harbour," I said.
"Right sir," said Grampus.
"And Top Hat, you're on car float duties," I said.
"Yes, sir," replied Top Hat. "I do wonder how the engines are coping after… that."
"Alright, Star Fleet," I called. "Off you go."
With that, the Stars set off, and I looked at the Zero Dock.
"I wonder how Captain Zero is getting on," I said to myself.
"Morning, Z-Stacks!" boomed Captain Zero.
"Morning, Captain!" they called.
"How is the new announcing house, sir?" asked Zug.
"Much better than the old one," smiled Captain Zero, "especially with my disability. But there is another big change to our fleet, albeit a welcome one."
"Tell us about it," said Zebedee. "Ariel, Venus and Penny are more than welcome."
"Which is more than can be said for Zak and Zeus," agreed Ariel.
"Yeah, good riddance to those monsters," replied Zip.
"Indeed," said Captain Zero, "Ariel, Venus and Penny, welcome to the Z-Stacks."
"Do you think we should get Z names to match the others?" giggled Ariel to the other two.
"Well… that could be an interesting idea," said Penny cheekily. "It worked so well for Zob."
"That would mean a rechristening ceremony," grinned Venus.
"Er… only if you three want to, that's not necessary…"
The three new recruits burst out laughing, and so did the other Z-Stacks.
"Oh, you got us," said Zug.
"Alright, alright," chuckled Captain Zero. "That's a good one. Now, to business. Zip and Zug, you two need to show Penny what to do with your jobs."
"Yes sir," replied Zip and Zug.
"Oh, I can't wait!" Penny said excitedly.
"Zorran, Zebedee, take Ariel to the logging camp," said Captain Zero. "Big Mac, O.J. and Warrior need help with the logging detail."
"You got it, sir," Zorran and Zebedee called.
"Ooh, this will be fun," smiled Ariel. "My first official job with you guys."
"Venus, there's a naval tramper that needs towing out," continued Captain Zero. "Hercules will meet you up at the coast."
"Thank you for letting me know, Captain Zero," replied Venus.
"Theodore, George and Emily," Captain Zero went on, "you three are to help Meridian with some stone deliveries."
"Oh, that'll be great," said Emily.
"You can count on us," added George.
"Roger that, Captain Zero," said Theodore.
"Zilly, you are to help Grampus with harbour patrol," continued Captain Zero, "and Zob, you are to make coal deliveries."
"Yes, sir," replied Zob and Zilly.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" called Penny. "The next Olympics? Let's go!"
With that, the Z-Stacks set off to work. Captain Zero smiled.
"Now, this is the fleet of Z-Stacks I wanted," he smiled. "All I had to do was get rid of Zak and Zeus. Hmm, I wonder what happened to those two and those other villainous vessels after they fled Bigg City."
But that was the only after-effect we had to deal with. And I do mean 'we'... others, had… bigger things on their minds.
The engines at the Dock Railway were getting ready for work.
"Okay, Kirke," Puffa called, "I'm ready for the next train."
"Hold your horses," he rolled his eyes. "I'm getting it, Puffa."
"Well, everything's back to normal," remarked Puffa.
"Except the fact I'll be leaving soon," Henney said quietly.
"Ah, yes," said Kirke. "We'll really miss ya, sis."
"Indeed," said Porter. "You have a good time in the United Kingdom when the time comes."
"I will," said Henney. "I'll have my engineer and stoker write to you all the time."
"Driver and fireman, Henney," said her engineer. "You'll have to get used to calling us that when we're up there."
"Why is it that the US and UK have the same language, but have different names for things?" asked Puffa.
"I'm not sure," said Henney. The other engines metaphorically shrugged.
Although the Salvage Fleet had survived the war, they still had a massive chance in their ranks.
"It just feels so strange not having Moonlight with us," said Ember.
"Yeah," agreed Misty. "I know he's working for Captain Star now but still…"
"I don't blame him, though," sighed Stormy. "The war rattled poor Sunshine up and Moonlight felt he needed to give her emotional support."
"Still, with Robin joining us," said Hail, "we've become an all-female team."
"Yeah," sighed Scorpio. "No more winding Moonlight up with the girl gossip."
"It's a big change to be sure," agreed Pisces, "we do appreciate your help, Robin."
"Thanks, Pisces," replied Robin.
Just then, they saw O.J., Big Mac, Warrior, Zorran, Zebedee and Ariel coming towards them.
"Good morning, Salvage Fleet," greeted O.J.
"Hey, Stars, Z-Stacks," called Ember. "How's it going?"
"Well, we're glad to have Ten Cents, Big Mac and Hercules back," replied Warrior. "And Moonlight is doing well - he says hi, by the way."
"And we're glad to have Zorran and Zip back," said Zebedee. "Ariel, Penny and Venus seem to be settling in too."
"So, no new 'Z' names for you girls?" asked Pieces."
"No, but we did joke about it," chuckled Ariel. "Captain Zero thought we were being serious."
"Heh, you got us too," laughed Zorran.
"How's the eyepatch, by the way?" asked Stormy.
"I still think it makes me look cool," replied Zorran.
Just then, they heard Sea Rogue, O'Malley and Billy Shoepack arrive with two unfamiliar tugs both of whom had deadpanned expressions.
"Ah, Big Mac, Warrior, O.J., Zorran, Zebedee, Ariel," called Sea Rogue. "Good to see you six."
"Good to see you three as well," asked O.J. before noticing the two unfamiliar tugs. "Who are these two, by the way?"
"Ah, yes, we forgot to introduce them," replied O'Malley. "These are Chimera and Alonso, the new tugs in charge of the breaker's yard."
"Oh...really?" O.J. said, feeling unnerved. "Sorry. It's nothing personal, but…"
"We understand," replied Chimera. "Our predecessors tried to murder you."
"Rest assured," put in Alonso, "that we will never try to scrap you or your friends, O.J. We only ever scrap tugs that have been damaged beyond repair or willingly go through the final firing, or boats that were never sentient at all. We also make sure to give a boat about to be scrapped a proper send-off."
"That's a relief," sighed O.J.
"Oh, by the way," said Zorran, noticing Sea Rogue and O'Malley's funnels, "did you two get new numbers?"
"Oh, yes," replied Sea Rogue. "We decided to get numbers after the hostage incident. I chose the number two and O'Malley is number one. Likewise, Chimera is number one and Alonso is number two."
"I didn't," said Billy. "I mean, my owners only have me to worry about. So it doesn't matter too much."
"That's a good idea," replied Zebedee.
"How are ye copin', Billy?" asked Big Mac.
"Er… doing fine, all things considered," said Billy. "I've been told I've been obsessed with using dynamite. But… I… haven't been using it since my near death."
"You… haven't?" asked Ariel.
"No… I mean… I remember it happening on the day of the tramper incident and freeing Sunshine from the logs," Billy explained. "But… I don't remember how to do it. I'm worried that… someone may get hurt."
"Oh, Billy…" said Zebedee. "We didn't realise it was that bad."
"Maybe you can relearn how to do it," suggested O.J.. "Only if you want to."
"I might," said Billy. "I'll just have to see what plans have in store."
Then Chimera noticed Warrior looking away with a downcast expression.
"Is he okay?" she asked.
"During th' war," explained Big Mac, "Warrior almost killit another tug – a German ane namit Otto. Otto wis advancin' on me but Warrior pullit him an rammit him against the dockside. This causit a barrel o Green Water tae tip ower an pour intae Otto's system. If it wis Black… then…"
"It's true," Warrior said, sadly. "It feels like what happened with Zelda all over again… except Otto survived. Maybe I should just retire and put myself in a museum before someone else gets hurt."
"Warrior!" gasped Big Mac. "Ye can't dae thon!"
"Would you want to work with a tug who kills others out of sheer rage?" asked Warrior.
"Perhaps we'd better go," said O.J. "It was good seeing you again, Sea Rogue, O'Malley, Billy, Salvage Fleet, and meeting you, Chimera and Alonso."
With that, the six Stars and Z-Stacks continued on their way.
Poor Warrior, thought Hail. He can't just give up and confine himself to a museum. He'd be bored. I wonder...Yes, I'll talk to her later.
Top Hat was at the Railhead, collecting freight cars off Placido.
"Well, Placido," said Top Hat. "Soon, you, Lexi, Maeve and Henney will be heading to the United Kingdom with Meridian."
"Eeyup," replied Placido. "Maeve and I are going to work on Sodor with Meridian. She'll be dropping Lexi and Henney off at Liverpool on the way."
"I'm going to be working at Bridlington," explained Lexi. "I hear there's a steelworks nearby whilst Henney is bound for a colliery near the Midlands."
"Then, I'll be off back home," said Tillie. "Hopefully, my friends have made it through the war."
"Hey," asked Maeve. "Has anyone seen Little Owl?"
"There's a barrel of Black Water missing," said Puffa, noticing something. Then, a horrifying thought crossed their minds.
"Guys," gulped Henney, "You don't think…"
"We'd better be wrong!" gasped Kirke.
The engines quickly rushed off to the sheds.
Little Owl's engineer and stoker looked nervous. They didn't want to do this to their engine but she had insisted.
"Okay, old girl," said her engineer, trying not to cry. "Do you want the full barrel or just a few drops?"
"STOP!" shouted Lexi as she and the other engines rushed.
"Little Owl? What are you doing?" exclaimed Porter.
"Ending my life, that's what!" shouted Little Owl.
"What is going on here?" asked Mr. Lloyd, rushing in, before gasping in shock. "Were you two trying to give Little Owl the Final Firing?!"
"S-she asked us to," insisted the stoker.
"It's true," Little Owl said. "I don't deserve to live!"
"What do you mean?" gasped Maeve.
"It's because of me that we lost so many of our friends!" Little Owl replied, tears forming in her eyes. "Zak and Zeus were incarcerated on the dry dock, and when they were speaking with Ursula Zero, I didn't think much of it, thinking it was just another of their idiotic plans. But no! It turned out that they were scheming to take over Bigg City, even going so far as to align themselves with the Nazis, of all people! And then the attack on Bigg City took place, all because I was blinded by my dislike towards the Z-Stacks! Kirke was right all along; I really am a birdbrain!" With that, Little Owl burst out sobbing.
There was silence from everyone. They had no idea that this had happened.
"Now, now, Little Owl," cried Kirke, "please. I may have said that then, but you turned yourself around to make better relations with the Z-Stacks."
"Little Owl," said Mr. Lloyd, "I am disappointed that you didn't speak about this sooner, but suicide is not the answer. It never is. All it does is bring pain and anguish to those who love you."
"Mr. Lloyd and Kirke are right," agreed Puffa. "If you do this, Little Owl, we'll be heartbroken, and you did better yourself."
Little Owl just looked away with guilt on her face.
"You two, take that barrel back where you found it," Mr. Lloyd instructed. "I will not have a Final Firing on my watch."
The engineer and stoker obeyed. Then, Mr. Lloyd turned to Little Owl.
"I'm going to speak to Captain Lucky about giving you some counselling," he said. "I don't want another incident like this happening again."
With that, Mr. Lloyd walked back to his office.
Top Hat, Frank and Eddie had overheard everything and were shocked.
"She was trying to commit suicide?!" cried Frank.
"Little Owl, for all her faults, doesn't deserve that," said Eddie.
"No, you two, you're right," sighed Top Hat. "Captain Lucky will know what to do… hopefully…"
Hail had arrived at Lucky's Yard where she saw Sally and Moonlight. Captain Lucky was talking with the former.
"You saved many people and vessels from those bombers," said Captain Lucky, "and those that you didn't save would be grateful that you arrived when you did."
"You're right, Captain Lucky," said Sally. "Thank you very much…"
"Oh, goodness," gasped Hail. "Am I interrupting anything?"
"No, we were just finishing up," said Sally. "How are you, Hail?"
"Well, I'm fine, but Captain Lucky, I must speak to you."
"Of course dearie, what do you– oh, goodness. That's the telephone." she gasped. "I'll be right back." She quickly answered it and came back with a pale look on her face.
"That was Mr. Lloyd," she said. "Apparently, Little Owl overheard Ursula Zero plotting with Zak and Zeus, but she didn't say anything because she assumed they would mess it up. But, she had no idea that they were scheming to take over Bigg City Port. Anyways, she felt so guilty about everything that had happened that she tried to commit suicide via the Final Firing."
"What?!" the three vessels exclaimed in alarm.
"I'm afraid so," she sighed. "So Mr. Lloyd's asked me to give some counselling tonight."
"Poor Little Owl," gulped Moonlight. "That incident must have been eating away at her. And what's this about a grudge with the Z-Stacks?"
"That's a long story too," said Hail. "Warrior needs counselling as well. He's been feeling depressed after the incident with Otto and is considering confining himself to a museum. Do you think you could give a talk as well, Captain Lucky?"
"Of course," replied Captain Lucky. "I'll arrange a double session at 5:00 tonight."
So Captain Lucky called me up and I agreed to it.
Warrior had just gotten to the Star Dock when I informed about the double session.
"So you want me to take Little Owl as well?" asked Warrior in surprise.
"Normally, I would ask Top Hat to transport the engines," I explained, "but since you're both going to attend this session, it would make more sense for you to do it."
"Oh, okay," said Warrior. "Shall I go and collect her then?"
"You do that," I replied.
"I'll be coming with you for emotional support," said Hail.
"Okay," said Warrior. "Thank you, Hail." With that, the two tugs set off.
"Good luck, Warrior," I called.
Later, most of the tugs were returning home, when the Z-Stacks noticed something at the Zero Dock. There were two tugs that had a four leaf clover on their smoke-stack.
"Ah, looks like Captain Lucky's got some tugs at last," said Penny. "So nice of them to visit – Zip? Zip, what's gotten into you?"
"Z-Z-Zion?!" gasped Zip. "Is that really you?"
"Hi, sis," he smiled. "It's so good to see you again."
"I'd say it is!" she beamed. "Oh, Zion! It's been too long!"
"So this is your brother you talked so fondly of," said Zug. "It's an honour to meet you at last."
"Pleasure is all mine… er… Zug?" Zion read his name.
"Correct," he smiled. "And this is Zorran, Zebedee, Ariel, Venus, Zob, Zilly and Penny. And up in his office, is Captain Sean Zero."
"Welcome to Bigg City," he greeted through the megaphone. "It's an honour to have you here, Zion."
"My my, mostly 'Z' names," said Zion. "Heh, well, I heard a tale that all the tugs in the Z-Stacks used to begin with 'Z'."
"That's very true," said a female voice. "Never thought I'd see the day three non-Z tugs join you."
At this, Captain Zero, Zorran, Zebedee and Zip gasped in shock; as did myself, Ten Cents, Big Mac, O.J. and Top Hat from the Star Dock. The other Stars looked over in confusion.
"Z-Zelda?" Top Hat said quietly.
"Sis… is that you?" Zebedee cried.
"Yes… oh… oh my…" gulped Zelda. "I… Top Hat… Zebedee… everyone…"
"You know this tug?" asked Zob.
"She… she was our number 4 before we got Zug," explained Zorran.
"Wait… so you weren't misnumbered, Zip?!" gasped Zug. "I should have been numbered five all along?"
"Er… yes and no," said Zip. "You see, Zorran, Zebedee, Zak, Zelda and I were bought for Zero Marine company at the same time."
"She is also… my sister," Zebedee added. "Before Zob came, she was the one with the highest moral compass of the Z-Stacks. She… she kept me and Zip on the straight and narrow."
"And we all thought she… died in the fire." gasped Top Hat. "Oh… oh Moonlight Oceans…"
"What fire are we talking about?" asked Hercules.
"Long story short," said Zorran, "the fire… it and her supposed death affected everyone."
"Warrior and I were on the scene and quickly set to work putting it out," Top Hat went on. "However…"
"The… the Munitions fire," gasped Sunshine. "Zelda's supposed death… that's why you didn't come."
"Yes…" sighed Top Hat. "I… I was so rattled in my guilt, I lashed out at Warrior for it. But deep down… I hated myself."
"That… explains so much…" gulped Zob. "Why didn't you tell us? Or see Captain Lucky?"
"And why… why did you run off, Zelda?" asked Ten Cents.
"Well…" sighed Zelda. "After Captain Lucky and her workers repaired me, I was traumatised by the fire. Back then, Captain Lucky wasn't a counsellor, so she sent me to the next port to get help from an old friend of hers. As it turned out, they lost a harbour tug shortly before I left, and… I stayed to help."
"Then… why didn't you tell us?" asked O.J. "Or send us a message or something?"
"I got a telegram from here," Zelda explained. "Captain Zero said he never wanted to hear my name again. So… what was the point in me going back?"
Captain Zero gulped. "Oh… my god. Zelda… am I so sorry. I thought you were dead and… didn't want to remind myself or anyone else of you because of it." He sighed. "That's another thing I hate about my past self…"
"It's okay, Captain Zero," said Zelda. "I've been hearing about how much you've changed over the years. I'm proud of you."
"Th-thank you, Zelda," he said quietly.
"There is just one other thing," said Big Mac. "Why did you come back all of a sudden?"
"Because… Zion and I heard that many of you guys have near death experiences," sighed Zelda. "We… we had to come to see if you are alright."
"B-Badly shaken," Zilly admitted. "But w-we're recovering."
"And we would both like to help," said Zion. "If you're willing to allow us."
"We'd… greatly appreciate it, my brother," smiled Zip weakly.
"We'll be down at Lucky's yard if you need us," replied Zelda. "I know I'm not a Z-Stack anymore, but… Zug deserves my old number. Wear it with pride, little one."
"I do," grinned Zug. "Th-thank you, Zelda. That means a lot to me."
"Zelda… I think you should talk to Warrior after he's done with Captain Lucky's consoling," said Zebedee. "He will be in for a shock."
"Good idea," she replied, and she and Zion started to head off for Lucky's.
Over at Lucky's, Warrior and Little Owl's counselling session was about to get underway.
"Thank you both for coming," Captain Lucky said, "This is a good sign. You clearly want to resolve your issues."
"That's if we can resolve them," sighed Little Owl.
"Okay, let's start with you, Little Owl," said Captain Lucky. "Mr. Lloyd said you tried to commit suicide."
"Yes," sobbed Little Owl. "I overheard Zak and Zeus plotting with Ursula whilst they were in dry dock again. I don't think it would be worth reporting since they normally messed things up. But look what happened - Zug was almost given a forced Final Firing; Top Hat, Zilly, Kirke, Sally Seaplane and Mr. Krieger were almost killed in the attack; Captain Star's mother and your parents did get killed; Billy Shoepack has amnesia because of the dynamite incident; Captain Zero was shot in the leg by his own wife whilst protecting Captain Star and now has to use a wheelchair; O.J., Warrior, Zebedee Stormy, Hail and I were taken hostage and then… Zorran ended up bombing a building just so that Zak, Zeus and Ursula would never cause harm again, which cost him his right eye. And yet the evil trio survived. Why didn't I say something then? All this pain and heartache could have been avoided if I did worry. I should have cared, but I didn't because of my stupid grudge towards the Z-Stacks. I'm no better than those monsters."
Captain Lucky wiped a tear away from Little Owl.
"Listen, dearie," she said gently, "whilst it's true this could have been avoided if you had said something, commiting suicide doesn't solve anything. You say that you're not better than those monsters, but here's the difference: you feel ashamed of your actions and the grudge. Zak, Zeus, Corona, Burke, Blair, Hans, Otto, the Poison Plant trio, Ursula Zero and Mr. Broke never felt any remorse for their actions. But, listen, if you had gone through with commiting suicide, you would let your guilt consume you. Feeling no remorse is bad, but feeling too much remorse is also dangerous. Would it be fair on your friends if you did this?"
"No...it wouldn't," replied Little Owl. "If I had killed myself, my friends would be even more upset."
"Exactly," replied Captain Lucky. "Now, Warrior, tell me about what happened with Otto."
"Well, after Big Mac saved me from that oil barge," explained Warrior, "I became concerned for his safety, especially when he signed up for the Navy. This meant that when Otto tried to hurt Big Mac, I had to protect my brother. I didn't know about the barrel of Green Water. I rammed Otto too hard and the barrel spilled the Green Water into his systems, which almost killed him. I mean, if it were Black Water…" he sighed. "I know I can be clumsy but to almost kill someone because of it?"
"And do you really think that confining yourself to a museum will solve anything?" asked Captain Lucky.
"It would certainly mean I won't be clumsy anymore," said Warrior.
"But we would all be upset if you did this," said Captain Lucky. "Listen, Warrior, it's true that you're clumsy but your big heart more than makes up for it. You were willing to help Ten Cents catch Zeus when he poisoned Hercules with the bad coal, you were a big help when Hercules bought Vienna in, you were a hero when that log jam was heading for Uptown and again when Izzy Gomez crashed onto those rocks, you were a big help during the munitions disaster of 1922, you and Sunshine put aside your fears of Jimbo to help him after his accident and told Top Hat off for his rude comments and let's not forget when you, Hercules, Zip and Zug rescued that tramper who ran aground in that storm, when you helped with the cleanup operation after the Earthquake, when you helped to look for Sunshine after she was kidnapped, when you helped Ten Cents, Top Hat and Penny to rescue Delta Queen and when you helped Top Hat, Sunshine, Zip, Zug and Zob to save Little Owl from that fire."
"Captain Lucky is right, Warrior," agreed Hail. "If you confined yourself to a museum, we would all miss you. Zeus might have viewed you as a big dump ape, but he was the dumb one. If anything, you're like a giant teddy bear who cares for his friends and family, and Captain Star is very lucky to have someone like on his team: kind-hearted and selfless, something that Otto never was or will be."
"You know something," said Warrior, a small smile forming on his face. "You're both right. Confining myself to a museum won't solve anything. Yes, I am clumsy but the more I think about it, Otto should have secured that barrel – or carry it on a barge, because carrying it on his deck was not the best place."
"No, it wasn't," agreed Captain Lucky.
After a few more minutes, Warrior and Little Owl's session was finished and both were ready to go.
"Thank you, Captain Lucky," said Warrior. "I've decided that I'm not going to confine myself to a museum. If someone like this does happen again, I'll come and talk to you straight away."
"And next time I hear or see something concerning," said Little Owl, "I'm going to report it to Mr. Lloyd or Peeper Pipes and his team straight away."
"That's the spirit, dearies," said Captain Lucky. With that, Warrior, Hail and Little Owl were about to set off, when they heard two hooters.
"Wha… that can't be…"
"It is…" said a female voice. "Hello, Warrior, Little Owl."
"Zelda?!" gasped Warrior. "But… the fire…"
"I know," she admitted. "Long story short, I was repaired, seeked therapy at another port, and stayed there when Captain Zero didn't want my name mentioned again."
"Oh my…" gasped Hail. "Was Top Hat part of that fire, by chance?"
"He was," said Zelda. "I… I'll explain more at the Star Dock, I promise."
"Of course," said Warrior. "Who's your friend?"
"Oh, this is Zion," Zelda introduced.
"Nice to meet you guys," said Zion. "We'll be working at Lucky's from now on."
"Enjoy your life there," said Hail. "Oh, Zion, Zip's told us positive things about you. Welcome to Bigg City."
"Thank you," said Zion. "We'll catch you three later."
"Thanks for suggesting this, Hail," said Warrior gratefully.
"I know what it's like to give someone an accidental Final Firing," said Hail, "but Captain Lucky helped me after that, so I thought she would help you as well."
"And she did," smiled Warrior. "You know, Hail, I always had something of a crush on you."
"Y-you did?" Hail asked in surprise.
"Yeah," chuckled Warrior. "You can talk too fast for the rest of us, but you have a big heart and always do what's right for the Salvage team."
"Well," said Hail, blushing a bit, "I've always had a crush on you as well."
Little Owl beamed at this, knowing that Warrior and Hail had become a couple.
Later that evening, we were all gathered at the Star Dock with the engines coming on car floats. Warrior had something important to say.
"I know that we have to cope with a different world from the one before the war," he said, "but as long as we have each other for support, we can get through this. We may have gone through many near losses in the war, but we've come out stronger than ever."
"Truer words have never been spoken, Warrior," I said with a small tear in my eye. "And Zion and Zelda, we'll help you settle into your new routines. It won't be easy, but we'll all be there for each other."
"And Warrior, I'm so sorry I scared you as well," Zelda sighed. "I was only thinking of myself and…"
"It's alright," said Warrior. "We can start again. You'll be a great addition to Lucky's."
"Thank you, Warrior."
And everyone else agreed. While we weren't looking, Zelda and Top Hat slipped over to a quiet spot between both docks.
"Zelda…" said Top Hat. "I was wondering if we could… start over."
"It has been a long time, Top Hat," she said. "I… I hadn't fully gotten over you while I was at my other port. Believe me, other male tugs have tried, but… none of them shine as brightly as you."
My Railway Tug blushed bright red. "We'll see where things go from here."
At the end of the month, we gathered at the Railhead to bid Meridian, Theodore, Emily, George, Tillie, Henney, Maeve, Placido and Lexi a fond farewell. Meridian had Henney, Maeve, Placido and Lexi on one car float whilst Zob had Tillie on board Frank. Theodore, Emily and George were refuelled ready for their journey back to Canada.
"Well," said Tillie as Little Owl helped her on board Frank. "I guess this is goodbye."
"Tillie, Maeve, Placido and Lexi," said Mr. Lloyd, "I thank you four for your help during the war. Henney, a special thanks goes out to you for all the faithful years of service you've given to my railway. I have no doubt wherever you go, you will be a credit to any railway."
"It's been an honor working for you, Mr. Lloyd," replied Henney, trying to fight back tears. "I'm going to miss you, Porter."
"I'll miss you too, sis," said Porter, a small tear coming from his eye, "but Kirke and I will draw you close to my heart."
"Meridian, Theodore, Emily and George," I said, "thank you for the help you've given us during the war. Meridian, I hope you enjoy your new life on Sodor and Theodore, Emily and George, we hope you can come back and visit us in the future."
"Thank you, Captain Star," replied Meridian. "I promise I'll keep in touch with you."
With that, the tugs and engines all gave whistles of goodbye as Meridian, Theodore, Emily, George, Tillie, Henney, Maeve, Placido and Lexi left Bigg City Port. Of course, Theodore, Emily and George did return to Bigg City, but that's another story.
One thing was certain, as long as we had each other, we would be able to navigate the new world we were now in, and a new era of peace for the Z-Stacks and Star Tugs has swept into our world.
The End
Athour's notes: This story by far has the most changes. From Ariel, Venus and Penny joking about potentially getting Z names, to Billy still coming to with his amnesia, to Zion and Zelda joining Lucky's Yard - don't worry, the prequel series will flesh her out more. And yes, she does have a thing for Top Hat and she's Zebedee's sister. The other stories should be easier to work around.
Next time, the tugs have to deal with a UFO in Bigg City.