November was proceeding briskly for the North Western Railway, and all the engines were working diligently and heartily, especially Belle and Flynn, who had been kept separate from each other once again when Belle's boiler ticket expired and she had to be taken to the Steamworks to be overhauled and issued a new ticket, after which she and Flynn quenched all the desires they had to hold back for almost two weeks.
Now, another important and most gathering event was due to come into play. Only a few days had gone by since Belle's new ticket was put into effect, and now it was the evening of November 10th. The very next day would be Remembrance Day, celebrated and acknowledged by just about everyone the world over in regard to the many, many soldiers who served in the First World War on the Western Front and gallantly gave up and sacrificed so much to defend their countries' freedoms, liberties, values, families and friends. The whole world knew of this time clad like iron in history, and Sodor was no exception. Although for this particular year, there would be an unexpected exception as to who would participate in this Remembrance Day.
At Tidmouth Sheds, the Steam Team was just settling down for the evening, when the Fat Controller came along with some news.
"Good evening, sir," said Thomas. "What news do you bring?"
"Well, Thomas, I have come on a most important matter regarding tomorrow," said the Fat Controller. "Engines of the Steam Team. You have all been working diligently and efficiently day by day, and I'm proud of all of you for your efforts. But tomorrow is going to be quite a bit different. As you all know, tomorrow is Remembrance Day. There will be a service held at Knapford Station at 10:30 in the morning and shall commence until 12:00 noon. There, we shall gather in remembrance of the valiant soldiers and men who gave anything and everything they could and had to, to defend their countries."
All the engines nodded steadily and surely, knowing this date like their very boilers. The Fat Controller went on.
"As such, I expect you all to be on you absolute best and most professional behaviour tomorrow in regard to all that shall be done at the service."
"Yes, sir," the engines all said together.
"Other engines are welcome to attend, and we will have plenty of guests just the same," said the Fat Controller. "Therefore, Thomas and Emily, in the morning, you must go and pick up passengers from Elsbridge Station, then bring them to Knapford in time for the ceremony to start."
"Yes, sir," Thomas and Emily replied.
"And then, from 12:00 noon onwards, I shall have you all back at work like clockwork," the Fat Controller said to the rest of the engines.
The other engines took heed and nodded as the Fat Controller returned to his car and drove home.
"Well…I wonder who will be attending the ceremony this year?" said Gordon.
"I'm sure plenty will be coming, Gordon," said Rebecca. "This is a most dignified and even serious day of the year to acknowledge."
"Indeed, it is," said Gordon.
"Each and every year, it's a stirring and powerful experience to think back on all that had happened so long ago," said Thomas.
"That it is, Thomas," said Emily. "It really makes me think as to all the hardships this world has faced and how much has been at stake in the past…and how it must never be forgotten. As the quote tells us all…Lest we Forget."
"Inescapably the point to a T, Emily," said Thomas.
All the engines agreed in turn with Thomas and Emily, and so the engines continued to talk about the upcoming event as the sun began to set.
At Arlesburgh, Daisy and Ryan were resting in their shed. They too knew what the next day would be, and despite Daisy's occasional habit of sleeping in however she pleased, she wouldn't dare miss a Remembrance ceremony, even on account of her springs.
"What do you think, Daisy? Will you be attending the ceremony tomorrow?" Ryan asked.
"I believe I must, Ryan," said Daisy. "I may be truly high-sprung, but tomorrow is a day forever marked in history, and even my springs can't be held back from such a poignant proceeding as is held each and every year all around the world."
"I solely agree, Daisy," said Ryan. "I wonder who else will be there?"
"I'm taking Beatrice, Capitan Rider and his fellow men there myself," said Daisy. "As for who else will be there…I'll just have to see, won't I?"
Ryan nodded as he and Daisy slowly settled in for the night…
Elsewhere on the Railway, Sonny was resting at Maron Station, having delivered a small goods train for James to pick up the next day after the Remembrance Services. Sonny was also thinking considerably about the next day. But given what else had transpired of late, there was something, or rather, someone else that was on his mind for some time now.
"Thinking about the ceremony tomorrow, Sonny?" asked his driver Sebastian.
"Yeah. I am, Sebastian," said Sonny. "Especially after I was withheld by Baz and Bernie since the Mainland."
"Well, tomorrow is going to be a most prudent ceremony, as it is every year," said his driver. "And I think it would do you good to see it too."
"Yeah…uh…I agree…" Sonny replied quietly, and slightly looking away, which his driver noticed at once.
"Say, Sonny? What is it?" he asked.
Sonny looked ahead down the line and sighed softly. "Well…it's just…well…"
"Something's the matter, isn't it?" said his driver. "I've sensed it for a few days now with your quieter moments of late. Out with it."
After a little hesitation, Sonny took a deep sigh and looked to Sebastian.
"…I've been wondering about Diesel. He hasn't ventured out of his shed one time, or done a single moment's work ever since…since…"
"Since Bernie cut to the quick for good," his driver put in. "Well, who could care for that deceptive monster on the rails now? Diesel locked himself up in his shed, and a good thing too."
"Is it really, Sebastian?" Sonny suddenly asked.
"What?" his driver asked, clearly surprised.
"I'm not going to act like Diesel had no impact on what Bernie ultimately did to himself," said Sonny. "But there were many other factors against him during his probation…and after the time that has gone by so far, I do not think it would do Diesel well to keep himself locked away from a ceremony such as the one tomorrow."
Sonny's driver scoffed.
"You've quite a deal yet to learn about Diesel's history, Sonny. And I'd wager he'd only ruin the mood if he came along."
Sonny, remembering his own experience, had to disagree with this.
"Perhaps most of the railway has given up on Diesel, but I won't," he replied.
"Why not?"
"Diesel stuck up for me after I upset those fish trucks and saved him during my second chance. The Gov would have sent me away forever had it not been for Diesel."
Sebastian remembered that day clear as anything, and as he thought back to that pivotal moment for Sonny, he nodded slowly and held his engine's bufferbeam.
"Perhaps you're right, Sonny," he said at last. "However, in the meantime, we both must rest up for tomorrow. We want to make the very best of it."
So Sonny was placed in a siding just along the station, his driver went home for the night, and Sonny was soon asleep under the stars, still thinking a little about what would happen the next morning, and who would be there.
At the Dieselworks, the diesels were just starting to wind down for the night themselves after another day's work. They too knew what the next day would be, and spent a little while talking quietly amongst themselves about the ceremonies to be held, not just at Knapford, but elsewhere too. After a few minutes, one by one, the diesels settled down and started falling asleep. All that is, except for one diesel, huddled in the very back of his shed berth, right where he had been idling for a long, long time now, lost in endless silence, thoughts and reckoning with countless matters.
Diesel had not moved an inch from his shed, or done a single moment's work ever since that fateful event on August 25th, when Bernie finally put all courses of his life to a forever stop. With all the time that had passed, Diesel had remained immobile and silent for about two and a half months. This had been the absolute longest time he had ever spent out of work, by his own choosing or not. Not a single day, not a single hour, or even a single moment had gone by that he hadn't been thinking about all that had transpired during Bernie's probation, from the moment his parole was announced, right to the very end when his funeral was held at the Sodor Cemetery. So many times in a row, he kept pondering how if only he had just stayed put, Bernie wouldn't have done what he did and ultimately ended everything in his course of life. But it wasn't just about Bernie.
The recent events had locked Diesel into a deep, dark realm of constantly looking back to all the incidents he had been involved in ever since he first arrived on Sodor, right down to his first encounter with Duck on his first trial to learn. Everything that had transpired afterwards involving him had consisted almost entirely of him being the instigator of all the trouble, and was therefore pointed to as being the one to blame. That was the most consistent pattern Diesel could recall all throughout his life on Sodor, even during the odd times when he was genuinely trying to be really useful, and yet he was still caught as being the cause of the trouble. All these thoughts and more had been writhing away in Diesel's mind day by day and night by night ever since Bernie's death, and by now, he felt truly lost, isolated and completely uncertain as to what he could possibly do now to escape this psychological purgatory as he felt it to be.
Then, it was in that moment, just as all the other diesels had shut their eyes and gone to sleep…when it happened. After all this time of thinking, reckoning and remembering what had happened before, Diesel felt a tweak in his motor and he looked outside, feeling his endless line of thoughts finally come to a stop…and he took note to just what day it would be tomorrow. He knew the nature of November 11th just like everyone else on Sodor, but prior to this year, he had not given much thought to the occasion…until now. After two and a half months of silence and stillness, Diesel swallowed hard and made his decision. He would not sit idly another moment now. He would venture out of these sheds and go on his way.
Diesel looked around, making sure all the other diesels were fully asleep. When he saw they indeed were asleep, he looked outside again, took a deep breath, then at long, long last, his wheels began to turn, slowly at first, then a little faster as he left his shed and ventured out into the night. After sitting idly for two and a half months, Diesel felt rather stiff, but soon enough he felt his joints and wheels easing up. As he rolled out of the Dieselworks grounds and along the Main Line, he still spoke not a word. There was a thin crescent moon casting a thin curve of silver light, and the sky was filled with stars. Diesel looked to the moon and felt his heart stirring strongly as he could almost hear Bernie's last words ringing through his head, almost as if he'd been there to see it all happen.
"NEVER! …I believe…your duty…is fulfilled…sir!"
Diesel closed his eyes tightly, trying to shut out the voice, but within moments, he could almost see David and Copper walking through the Whistling Woods though his closed eyes.
"What will we do about Bernie, sir?"
"We'll have a coroner keep the body safe, then give him a burial at the Cemetery."
"Aye, sir. The man was beyond saving, sir."
"I should have found a way."
Diesel's eyes opened again as he groaned dreadfully to such a troubling sight. As he refocused where he was, he looked at the dark of night all around him. There weren't any other engines to bear him company, and there wasn't a sound to be heard except for the distant hoot of an owl. Still not speaking a word, Diesel didn't know what would happen the next morning, or even how it would happen, but something in his motor told him he had to go on, and so he did, rolling onwards and forwards through the night.
Diesel rolled along until he finally came to a signalbox just outside of Wellsworth. By now, he was starting to get tired and thought it prudent to rest here for the night, then carry on his way the next morning. With a deep sigh, he rolled slowly beside the signalbox and stopped. But even as his wheels started to rest, Diesel silently contemplated what would happen to him next, and in the ongoing stillness of the night, he couldn't help but wonder who he would see first and what he or she would say and do in regard to him wandering out and about again. Even so, it wasn't long before sleep started to work its way into his motor, and slowly but surely, he had fallen asleep right there on the line in the chilly and still night. Things would indeed start happening with him again once morning came, and this would only be the very first step Diesel would take into a very different realm than he had been living in for so long…
The next morning, the sun rose gently through a few clouds drifting through the sky. At Tidmouth Sheds, the Steam Team woke up and inched out of their berths. Thomas and Emily remembered right away what they had to do, so they headed right for Knapford Station. There, Thomas collected Annie and Clarabel, and Emily gathered three of her coaches. Then with a simultaneous whistle to each other, they set off down the line for Elsbridge.
At Arlesburgh, Daisy slowly woke up and yawned as she saw the morning approaching. She remembered at once what she had to do, and started rolling on her way out of the village. Just a few minutes later, she looked ahead and saw David, Beatrice and the Sea Emperor's crew waving at her as she had told Ryan the night before. David had his navy medals on his coat as well as his captain's hat on account of his part to play at the ceremony. Daisy's driver fetched a step-box, then David, Beatrice and the ship's crew all got onboard. Once Daisy's door shut, she then gave a toot on her horn and set off for Knapford with her bundle of guests.
Meanwhile at Maron, Sonny woke up and saw his driver arrive just in time. His fire was soon lit, and they set off down the Main Line. As he rolled along through the coming morning, Sonny found himself thinking about Diesel again. He knew he couldn't rush to the Dieselworks to see for himself. It was too far away and it wouldn't do well to arrive late at the ceremony at Knapford. All the same, Sonny wished he could see Diesel and figure out what had been going on with him of late.
Suddenly, Sonny heard a whistle from behind and looked back. Edward came alongside with two passenger coaches.
"Morning, Edward," Sonny greeted. "Bringing guests to the ceremony?"
"Good morning, Sonny," said Edward. "Yes, I've brought a few guests myself what with Thomas and Emily bringing theirs from Elsbridge and elsewhere too."
Sonny nodded slightly, then sighed as he looked on down the line.
"Are you alright, Sonny?" Edward asked. "You look as if something is tweaking your smokebox."
Through his time on Sodor so far, Sonny had come to hear about the kind engine Edward was and told him about Diesel, and just what he had been thinking about him in regard to today. Edward listened carefully and slowly formed a curious expression himself, which made Sonny grow curious in turn.
"Edward? What is it?" he asked.
"Hmm. That is most interesting," said Edward. "You see, Sonny…it so happens that this very morning…I actually saw Diesel sitting behind a signalbox near my station."
Sonny looked up and once and almost jumped. "What? Diesel? What is he doing back out here?"
"I don't know what he was doing there, and I couldn't stop on account of my passengers," said Edward. "But he looked very forlorn and still. Almost frozen in time. And right now, seeing as you're going to the ceremony, and given your experience with him…perhaps you should see what's going on."
Sonny felt his heart begin to jump. He'd known Baz and Bernie the closest of any other engine, and he hadn't forgotten his experience with Diesel firsthand, and today was Remembrance Day of all days. It was then that Sonny looked at Edward and made his decision.
"Thanks, Edward," said Sonny. "You go on ahead to Knapford. I, meanwhile, have to talk to my…friend."
Edward curled his lip into a small smile as he whistled and set off down the line. Sonny ventured on for a few minutes more, then suddenly looked. Ahead was a signalbox, and just along the wall, he saw what he thought was the black end of a diesel engine. Sonny rolled closer and alongside the signalbox, and sure enough, there was Diesel, sitting by the signalbox with his eyes closed, completely silent and still yet again. Sonny stopped alongside him and observed his face. Diesel indeed looked forlorn and frozen in time, as if he were almost turned to stone. But Sonny had to find out what the meaning of this was, and after a few minutes, he spoke.
"…How are you?"
Diesel recognized that voice and opened his eyes, answering with one word after two and half months of silence.
"…Alive."
Sonny could sense Diesel's mind was fuller than ever and carefully responded.
"You probably haven't heard-"
"That the Remembrance Day Ceremony is being held at Knapford Station?" Diesel cut in. "Even amongst we diesels, today is an inarguably important occasion, Sonny."
"Of course it is," said Sonny. "But…what are you doing out here, Diesel? Last we heard, you've not ventured out once since…Bernie left."
"Indeed, Diesel," Sebastian added. "What are you doing out here after so long?"
"…I don't know. I reckon something's come over me," said Diesel.
"I don't follow," said Sonny.
"I've been sitting in my own shed for far too long," Diesel replied. "Hence, I'm going to the Remembrance Ceremony at Knapford myself. I just feel that's the place I need to be right now, and frankly, I do not care what anyone else thinks. All I know is that I have to be there, for my own good. All this time, I've had practically no interaction with any engine. Not a single one…"
Sonny looked curiously at Diesel and thought perhaps he shouldn't go there himself, especially how everyone else at the ceremony would easily notice him. It was then that Sonny decided to make the offer.
"You want me to go there with you?"
Diesel looked up and felt something click in his motor. He couldn't really figure out why he felt it, but something told him this was right. With a little hesitation, he rolled away from the signalbox, then he and Sonny trailed along the line together in solemn silence. Sonny didn't know it yet, but there was more to Diesel's errand today than just the ceremony at Knapford, and Sonny and a few others would soon find out just what else Diesel had been pondering…
At Knapford Station, it was approaching 10:30 a.m., and the whole Steam Team and more were gathered together. Thomas, Emily, Gordon, James, Percy, Nia, Rebecca, Edward, Henry, Molly, Donald and Douglas, Duck, Oliver, Rosie, Stanley, Charlie, Philip, Stafford, Ryan and Daisy were all spread out fairly throughout the station across the platforms. On Platform One, there stood the Fat Controller and his family, the Thin Controller, the Thin Clergyman, David, Beatrice, the Sea Emperor's crew and all the passengers Thomas, Emily and Edward had brought, all of whom were wearing a red poppy on their clothes.
The Fat Controller checked his watch. "Well, now, is everyone gathered and ready for the ceremony to begin?"
Most of the engines and attendees said yes, when there came the sound of two more approaching engines. Everyone looked and saw Sonny huffing on in…but then, almost like magic, the engine rolling alongside Sonny caught everyone's eye and a very particular sensation took hold of everyone for just a few moments. All the other engines' eyes, particularly Thomas, Emily and Daisy's, locked right on Diesel and no one said a word. No one had seen him at all ever since Bernie's final downward spiral and tragic departure, and everyone present was most certainly not expecting to see him here of all days. As Diesel drew closer, he could hear quiet but consistent murmuring scattered throughout the station from people and engines alike.
"What's he doing here?" came a low voice.
"What the…why is he here?" whispered another one.
"Not who I thought would be here," came a third.
"What is he thinking coming here?" said a fourth voice.
Diesel could feel the skepticism and speculation weaving clear through the station, but he spoke not a word as he drew in closer, catching glimpse of Daisy, and more notably, Duck, who both looked right into his eyes as he stopped behind Sonny and just sighed quietly and looked toward Platform One. There, Diesel saw David looking right at him, and suddenly remembered when David almost sparked off and slashed him over the eye right before Philip ran in and stopped David from proceeding any further. David turned his head back to the Clergyman and the others, but still gave a tiny glimpse or two back at Diesel as the Thin Clergyman came forth and spoke first, which managed to refocus everyone's attention on the ceremony.
"Welcome, ladies, gentlemen and engines. Here today, as we do every year on this day, November 11th, we remember and dedicate our respect and memory to the brave men and strong lads who volunteered, defended, served, fought, sacrificed and gave their lives to protect and uphold our freedoms, our values and our liberties. To all our brave soldiers then, today, and for always, we thank you and salute you as we salute those who laid down their lives on the Western Front, on the sea, and in the sky. We shall not forget. We will remember you."
The ceremony proceeded as normal, with the Thin Clergyman offering others to say a few words, and Thomas, Emily, Percy and Gordon each taking the chance to speak throughout the ceremony. Just as all the opening words had been spoken, the station clock suddenly began to toll. Everyone looked up and listened to each and every toll. One, two, three four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten…and the most important toll of all for this very day…eleven.
All the engines and guests listened intently as the toll's echo faded away, all their hearts stirring with great dignity and respect for today's events. Then the Fat Controller came forth and spoke next, while Copper drew a brass trumpet.
"Ladies, gentlemen and engines, the hour is now eleven o'clock. On this very day and hour in the year 1918, World War One at long last came to an end, after more than four long, hard-lived, fiercely-fought years by all those who gave everything to defend their countries. Here today, where we all gather, please stand together for a moment's silence for the playing of 'The Last Post,' followed by two minutes' silence in memory of those who gave all that they did for all of us."
In a waving sweep of air, the station fell silent. All the engines and people held their breath. Then in that moment, Copper stepped forward, brought the trumpet to his lips, then in the next moment, 'The Last Post,' started playing. Every engine and person stood absolutely still and solemn, all their hearts stirring in a most particular manner with each and every note the horn played. As Emily looked to the platform, she saw David and his crew holding a saluted position, not moving another muscle besides. All the attendees on the platform stood straight and tall, and everyone on the platforms and rails alike could instinctively feel their hearts beating as one, as was the tradition every year on this very day.
Diesel meanwhile felt his heart stirring endlessly and his motor felt as though it were vibrating vigorously to every note the horn played, filling him more and more with a most particular sensation he could not recall ever feeling before, until at last, 'The Last Post,' concluded. As soon as Copper lowered the trumpet and stood beside his captain again, the two minute's silence then ensued. All the engines and people closed their eyes and remained completely silent and still, all their hearts beating as one and feeling nothing more or less than ever-glowing respect, dignity, solidarity and devotion to remembering everyone who did their duty on the Western Front, right to the absolute and bitter end.
At last, the two minutes came to an end, although for just about everyone at this ceremony, it felt much longer than that, but in a good and most dignified way at that. It was then that the Thin Clergyman came forth and spoke again.
"Thank you, one and all, for the silence for 'The Last Post,' and for all those we shall always remember. We will now commence with the laying of wreaths. Each wreath we have to present was put together and decorated by fellow workmen, children, parents and more to from all across the island to pay their tributes to those we shall remember. We shall call out each guest's wreath and lay them all along the platform, and there they shall stay all throughout today."
All the engines watched as the guests made ready with their wreaths, and David and Copper made ready to do their part. Then the Thin Clergyman called the first wreath.
"Beatrice Rider from Arlesburgh, please lay your wreath."
Everyone watched as Beatrice came forward with her wreath, with David right beside her. She laid the wreath along the platform wall, then David clopped his foot, performed a salute to the wreath, then he and Beatrice turned around, he saluted again, then they both walked back to the crowd of guests.
The Thin Clergyman continued to call names for everyone else's wreaths, with which David or Copper accompanied each wreath and saluted it, and so the process carried on with various wreaths coming from many different places across Sodor. Crosby, Wellsworth, Maron, Cronk, Kellsthorpe, Vicarstown, Dryaw, Elsbridge, Ffarquhar, Maithwaite, Arlesdale and a good handful more. In total, the whole wreath procession took almost fifty minutes.
At last, the station clock struck twelve and the bell tolled one chime after the other, announcing the end of today's ceremony. And so, on the last stroke of twelve, the service was concluded, and the railway would now return to its work as usual. The Fat Controller stepped forward once more and spoke.
"Thank you, one and all for attending today's Ceremony, here at Knapford Station on November 11th Remembrance Day. Each and every year, it is a true honour and a most gratifying duty for us all to remember those who gave everything. We will remember them and honour them in our hearts and in life wherever we go."
All the engines nodded in soulful agreement, and the guests clapped gently but steadily for a few seconds. Then the platform started clearing steadily as the guests made ready to leave. Over the next few minutes, all the engines had their jobs handed out and the railway was ready to get moving again. But as all the engines made ready with their passengers, trucks and goods trains alike, they all gave little glances to Diesel and couldn't help but wonder just why he had come to this ceremony. No one said a word, but Diesel could sense everyone was curious as to why he had come, but he couldn't say anything now since they were all returning to work. Sonny and Daisy held their position, watching Diesel's ongoing numbed expression as he kept glancing to the others. Then Diesel suddenly caught glimpse of Duck and held his look on him. Duck looked up and saw who was looking at him and lowered his eyebrow ever-so slightly before he and Oliver set off again. Diesel's eyes followed him until they were both out of sight.
Soon, all the engines had left the station and were all working across the island again…except for three engines in particular. Diesel, Sonny and Daisy were all still standing where they were in the station, the two latters keeping their eye on Diesel. They had been wary of his presence all throughout the ceremony, but now that it was over, they now thought it best to look in and see what this was all about. They slowly came closer to him and watched as he slowly looked up at them both, not sure what to say or do right now.
From Platform One, the Sea Emperor's crew were busy checking all the wreaths and admiring them, but David's attention was focused somewhere else. He stood just outside the Fat Controller's office, bearing a mildly sour glare on Diesel as he remembered almost striking him with his sword when he heard how Bernie had been framed on the very night before he was locked in the brig. While the ceremony had proven successful and most dignified, David could not put his finger on why Diesel had come to this very event after his latest scheme which had arguably played the ultimate piece in Bernie's downfall. David began to breathe more rigidly as he held his glaring eyes on Diesel, when someone's hand touched his shoulder and he turned around to face his mother, who spoke softly, and seriously.
"David, don't keep frowning at Diesel. I know the more bad-tasting tales about him, but he's been withheld in his shed ever since Bernie fell. Why not give him a more reasonable, open-minded and guiding approach? There must be something else to all this. He came here by his own choosing, and there must be a reason."
David looked toward the line and could see Diesel looking at Sonny and Daisy with a slightly longing expression. Almost an expression of need. Within moments, the right judgement got the better of David's skepticism as he finally answered, albeit quite reluctantly.
"Alright. But I don't know what good it'll do. Wait with the crew, and I'll fill you in later."
As Beatrice waited with the crew, David walked across the platform and look a closer look at the three engines, as the conversation ensued.
"Well…hmm…Hello, Diesel," said Daisy.
"Mmm…hmm…hi, Daisy," Diesel said very lowly. "S…Sonny came with me since Wellsworth…
"Well, I must say, Diesel," said Daisy. "You've not ventured out one single time since Bernie's death."
"That's right," said Sonny. "It's been nearly two and a half months…and now, here you are. The ceremony has now come and gone…and now, I think we'd both like to know…what are you doing out here again?"
Diesel looked up and swallowed hard. There was quite a bit he had to say in regard to today, and more than just about the ceremony.
"Daisy…and Sonny…my…my friends," he said rigidly and with a little struggle. "I have sat solemn, still and motionless in my shed…for nearly two and a half months, and I have not spoken a word, worked a single moment or moved a single wheel. Over that long period of time, I really have been doing serious, serious thinking. Given today's occasion and more…I had to come out."
"What do you mean more, Diesel?" Sonny asked.
"…I came out here not only for what day it is…but on account of Bernie," Diesel said as his voice began to crack and he tried to compose himself. "After sitting idle and silent for all this time, I must come out and truly speak what I now truly believe. I don't care if there were many other things at play that led to Bernie doing what he did…but the way I see it and know it…I…I…"
"Don't stop now, Diesel. Let it out," said Sonny.
Diesel looked up, then shut his eyes very tight as he couldn't hold back.
"I…I feel that…a…above all others who kicked Bernie down, the biggest fault ought to be mine! He never would have taken his own life it weren't for me!"
As Diesel shook his head and breathed rigidly to himself, Sonny, Daisy and even David observed him closely. They had seen how his tone and debonair was most often deceitful and dubious at best, but given his conveyance here and now, there was nothing deceitful or dubious, even remotely. Diesel was showing and feeling the pure, raw emotion of shame, regret, taking ownership, feeling remorseful and truly terrible for what he had done.
"I feel bad. My usefulness is in serious, and truly deep trouble," said Diesel. "And now, I really don't know if I can EVER fix it! Not now, not ever! After this past August, I only ever wish I could change for the better…but after so many years and years and years of being the engine that I am, and most particularly after my vile role with Bernie…how can I ever be really useful now? That fateful moment on August 25th…might have taken more than one life that day."
"Whatever do you mean, Diesel?" Daisy asked. "You're here and alive, just like the rest of us."
"I don't feel alive," said Diesel. "Not dead either. I feel…lost…abandoned…cast adrift…wandering with no set course…stretching on and on…and on, and on...as though my fate might just be that I'll be abandoned and left with nothing and no one..." In saying that, Diesel could only think about how he'd been visited by the Ghost of Christmas Future some years ago.
"Given the engine I've been for so long, perhaps no one should waste their time vouching for me in any way..."
Sonny and Daisy felt their hearts stir strongly in their engines and looked right at Diesel.
"Diesel…in spite of all that has happened surrounding you…I believe you have yet a chance of escaping such a fate," said Sonny. "I haven't forgotten how you took advantage of me firsthand, pretending to empathize to my outcasted position when some of the engines still saw me as nothing more than a dishonest thief. Then I overheard you talking to Percy about your plan and I caught you out on it. Then as you chased me along the line, you missed the signal and almost fell into that large open pit, to which I upset my load of fish to save you. When the Gov came along and saw my fish scattered all over the tracks, he was all too ready to send me away after I had been given my one single chance. I was set up to be banished, so to speak…but then you stepped in and owned up, telling nothing but the truth…which I believe guaranteed me my chance to truly find a new and better life here after all Baz and Bernie had done to me."
Diesel looked up and could see the sincerity in Sonny's eyes.
"Yes. It was you who guaranteed my new life here in the end, Diesel," said Sonny. I wouldn't be here had you not assumed responsibility. Had it not been for you, I probably would have wound up in the scrapyards after all, just as Baz threatened me of. To that effect, I inescapably believe I do owe you a favour of sorts…and if it means being someone you can confide in, I shall commit to it, for better or for worse."
Diesel felt his heart stir and flip with a sensation he could not recall feeling before. It was then that his fellow diesel spoke up next.
"I do believe I can vouch for a similar cause, Diesel," said Daisy. "I haven't forgotten when you spread rumours about me to Harvey and several of the other engines…when you were growing utterly impatient with my talk of being a most singular engine…right until you ran down the ramp and into the sea, to which Harvey had to help you back out."
"Which only proved the point that you and him are most singular engines in your own ways," said Diesel.
"…and when you bumped me so that my springs finally sprung for the very first time since the very beginning," Daisy went on. "To which I actually had to question whether I would be fit to return to service. My fitter did say I am truly one of a kind, and that my springs were most singular in their own way. I was truly scared that I would have no choice but to be withdrawn from service for good."
"Say what you may, Daisy," said Diesel. "But I implore you to take my word for it…I truly was worried and frightened as to what would happen to you then. Everything you heard me saying that night…when I assumed you were asleep…I meant every last word and syllable of it all. Had you needed to be put out of service…I don't think I would ever stop regretting the fact that I'd caused it all. I could never move away from something such as that."
"Well, I still remember every word you spoke that night while I was up on the ceiling hooks," said Daisy. "I know you do indeed view me as a friend, and I truly do believe you have it in you to be a better engine. To that effect, if you do need someone to be there for you…I am willing to put forth my share in seeing you through this transition. But you must also remember what else I told you then, Diesel. If you want to make more friends than you may have now, you must be truly and fully prepared to change your ways."
"But…I must ask, Daisy…how?" said Diesel. "It's been so many countless years. Just how can I return to a true course of being really useful now? You may think I'm an unchangeable rogue for always holding onto it since the beginning…but Duck ought to see just what he has done to me…and what he has caused me to always be ever since I first met him…"
Sonny suddenly remembered.
"Say…Diesel? I noticed you looking specifically at him while the others were leaving. Do you mean to say that he was the impetus for the engine you've been for all these years?"
"Yes, Sonny. He was," Diesel replied. "While many others may say that's a lie or urge to the contrary…it was indeed his approach towards me that I believe twisted me into the very engine I am, or at least, how most everyone perceives me to be."
Sonny could sense Diesel was probably speaking more out of emotion than fact, but he could also tell Diesel wasn't trying to weave any lies. Daisy also knew all about Diesel's tales, right from the very beginning, and she had a solid thought right away.
"Diesel…if that's what you truly feel…perhaps you have to face Duck one more time," she observed. "It's been countless years since the start…why can't you make peace with him?"
"Why should I?" Diesel replied. "After so many, many decades since I first ever came here, it's too late now. What difference would it make?"
"It's never too late to talk things over, Diesel," said Daisy. "Time certainly puts a strain in the matter, but it's never indefinite."
Diesel didn't know what to say to this and sighed rigidly. From the platform, David had heard everything and felt his heart stirring considerably. He had never seen Diesel being this raw and honest before, and when he heard the mention of Duck, he suddenly felt a certain sensation click in his heart. He thought back and recalled his own past hatred toward Donald and Douglas for what they did to Emily that one winter, and how he held such a vengeful vendetta against them for a whole year and a half. Diesel on the other hand had been holding this vendetta for decades, and it had still not been broken. It was then that despite his still solid impression of distrust for Diesel, that David stepped down from the platform and walked toward the three engines.
The three engines heard the footsteps and all looked to see who was coming. Diesel in particular felt himself go very still yet again as he recalled what David had almost done to him two and a half months ago. Even now, Diesel could sense David was very reluctant in approaching him, yet he could also feel that he was here to give an open mind. David slowly looked up to Diesel, then took a breath and spoke solidly.
"Diesel…so you've come."
"I…I have…" Diesel said lowly. "Firstly…I…I…I know none of you were expecting me…or even wanted me to be here, but…I just had to come."
"Yes. You needn't repeat any of what you've told your…friends," said David. "I've heard everything so far…and it brings to mind my hate toward Donald and Douglas until Emily persuaded me to see otherwise and make strong friends out of the twins."
"I'm well aware of this, Captain," replied Diesel, before expressing mild jealously of how David was able to let go of his revenge, "You could move past that grudge...yet I can't make peace with Duck. My sworn enemy...and nothing can ever change that…"
This gave David an idea.
"You know what I think…" David said to Diesel. "In regard to today being Remembrance Day, and in regard to you and Duck being as you may think 'sworn enemies,'…I think there's one particular story of the First World War that you ought to know, if you haven't heard it already."
"And what might that be?" asked Diesel, while Sonny and Daisy looked up curiously.
"The Christmas Truce of World War One," said David. "First and foremost…do any of you know that story?"
"Well…we all know most of that war's history," said Sonny. "But not this little bit. It sounds very interesting. What exactly happened, David?"
"It was a most astonishing and stirring event at the very beginning," said David. "The First World War began in July of 1914 and didn't end until November 11th, 1918. But this particular event regarding Christmas was so powerful, it almost could have stopped the war even before half a year went by."
All the engines breathed steadily with their hearts stirring.
"Well…how? What happened?" Diesel asked.
"Well, it was December 1914," said David. "Ever since the start that same July, Scottish, German and French soldiers were head-to-head in the trenches on the Western Front, ready to open fire and launch armadas of artillery fire on one another, as had been the case almost on a daily basis. But on the night of Christmas Eve that year, a most astounding thing happened. Soldiers started to hear carol-singing from the German trenches, and a few Scottish and French soldiers peeked over the trench, half-expecting to be hit with artillery first thing, but when they saw the German side waving their hands, they slowly came up and started waving back. The singing soon spread to the Scottish and French trenches. Then sometime later that night…it happened. The three commanders for each army came together in No Man's Land and all amazingly agreed to a ceasefire in regard to the holiday."
All the engines' hearts jumped and writhed with surprise. Of all the things they knew about this history, they hadn't heard of this before.
"Really?" Sonny breathed strongly.
"They…they did?" Daisy added.
Diesel's heart stood still to what he had heard, then suddenly got an idea.
"Davi-…uh…Captain Rider. B…being the captain that you are…do you have any knowledge of what was spoken on that very night in history?"
David turned his eye to Diesel, looking curiously at him, then answered.
"Well, I've read a few history books through my school days…and during my service to the Navy, I've heard some older navy veterans recall the way they heard it. So there are different points of view on how it all happened, but however you perceive it, I think my perception is the most probable…"
Diesel, Sonny and Daisy all listened as David described the scenario the way he perceived it…
It was December 24th, 1914 on the Western Front. No Man's Land had fallen silent, and soldiers from all sides were buckled down and keeping absolutely still, watching a peculiar scene out in the field. The Scottish and German Commanders seemed to be talking very closely, almost shoulder to shoulder, but the whispering was so low, not much could be heard from the trenches.
"Regarde ca. Une reuinion au sommet et nous ne sommes pas invites!" said a French soldier.
"Que se passe-y-il?" asked another one.
The French Commander looked out carefully. There were no other men except for the two commanders. It strangely seemed safe enough to venture out. Sensing an opportunity, the French Commander thought it best to investigate. He stepped out of the trench and out into No Man's Land, to which the Scottish and German Commanders turned and looked. The French Commander then saluted to both commanders, who saluted right back, then the words came out clearly.
"Good evening," said the Scottish Commander. "Do you speak English?"
"Yes…a little," said the French Commander.
"Wonderful," said the Scottish Commander. "We were talking about…a ceasefire. For Christmas Eve. What do you think?"
The French Commander looked to the German, then to the Scottish, not saying a word. A few moments later, the Scottish Commander spoke again.
"The outcome of this war won't be decided tonight. …I don't think anyone would criticize us for laying down our rifles on Christmas Eve."
"Don't worry," said the German Commander. "It is just for tonight."
The soldiers from all ends of the trenches watched intently and held their breath. After a few moments, the French Commander strode back to his trench, then went back to the two commanders with three beakers and a bottle of champagne. He handed two of the beakers to the Scottish and German Commander, then poured champagne into each one, including his own.
"Danke," said the German Commander.
"Thank you," said the Scottish Commander as he shook the French's hand.
"Merci," said the French Commander.
And so, with each of their beakers of champagne, each commander of their respective platoon made their toast for the holiday.
"Merry Christmas."
"Joyeux Noel."
"Frohe Weihnachten."
Then just as they drank their shares, fellow soldiers started shooting flare-shots up into the sky to serve as fireworks, illuminating the whole sector for this most unexpected show of unity. Soldiers from all sides cheered and applauded, then once the air was quiet again, that's when it happened…
"What? What happened then?" Diesel asked David.
"Shortly afterwards, all the soldiers from all sides came out of their dugouts, out of the trenches and into No Man's Land. There, they started talking to each other, exchanging little presents such as pictures, bottles of champagne, chocolate bars and what have you, and they even held a Mass. It was truly unbelievable. And if that wasn't enough, for at least a day or two afterwards, the soldiers held football matches in No Man's Land as if they were school-mates. Under such grave and blood-shedding circumstances, you would never imagine people could be this good in a time of war."
Daisy, Sonny and most poignantly so, especially Diesel stood there enthralled and absorbed. Never did any of them know beforehand about this sliver of most poignant history on the First World War, and they immediately wanted to know more.
"But…why did the war keep going on afterwards?" Diesel puzzled. "That all sounds like it really could have ended everything."
David nodded slowly and narrowed his eyes.
"Yes. It really does. But as history has shown us all, the result of that Christmas Truce was not what it ought to have been. You see, soldiers from all sides formed strong and powerful friendships which they did not want to destroy if they ended up going back to fighting. Because of this, things got very, very complicated the day after, then the next day, and into the next and so on. Trying to kill an opponent solider you just called your friend a few days ago is humanely impossible, and to that effect, many soldiers from all sides had to go through widely varying sacrifices so they didn't have to do it. On one side, some were ordered to open fire on opponent soldiers walking through the field, but they deliberately missed, some were demoted from receiving higher ranks, some were transported to other divisions of their armies without permission to see their families ever again, and so many other consequences and sacrifices ensued as a result."
"What? Wh…wh…What?!" Diesel blurted with shock and affront. "But…but…WHY?"
David took a deep breath and sighed strongly.
"Well, the biggest factor in all this was that the Christmas Truce was not officially declared by the Prime Minister of Britain, the President of France or the Kaiser of Germany. It was a personal call just from those three commanders right there on the Western Front. From all sides, superior military officers were angry and scared that the truce would undermine fighting spirit, and to a considerable degree, it did. But in the end, essentially, as far as the top officers were concerned…warfare and conquering the other side mattered more than diplomacy, talking face to face to a compromise, and ensuring the common human will."
Daisy and Sonny held their lips tightly shut as they took it in. Then Diesel spoke again, to which everyone looked right at him.
"Disgusting," he said steadily and strongly. "Absolutely, utterly and beyond all contrary…disgusting. After such a wholesome and truly humane unity on that very night, on Christmas Eve of all days…shedding blood was still the larger concern? Truly, incessantly and inescapably…beyond inhumane."
Sonny, Daisy and particularly David looked intently at Diesel. They all agreed those mere words were as true as true could be in regard to those events surrounding the First World War, but to hear them come from Diesel's mouth of all engines. This was quite against any of their expectations and it made them start to think a fair deal deeper as to what Diesel could be working towards now.
"Well, Diesel…I think you're impeccably right," said Daisy. "It truly grinds my springs how all those soldiers' good will was merely brushed aside by the upper levels who wanted nothing less than to fight."
"There are indeed truly precious things in our world that are worth fighting for," said Sonny. "But that ceasefire truly ought to have delivered everything it had the chance of delivering…and perhaps you could find a similar spark in seeking Duck out."
"I agree, Sonny," said Daisy, turning her attention back to Diesel, "Do you truly want to make peace with Duck, Diesel?"
After so many years of holding a grudge against Duck, Diesel wasn't sure.
"I…oh…Grease and Oil. The only thing is…in regard to me seeking out…Duck…nothing is going to happen quickly," said Diesel. "Maybe…not even at all. But somehow or other, I NEED to get back to being truly really useful. I have not felt alive ever since Bernie died, and I still don't feel alive even now. Right now…I don't know, everyone. I truly do not know."
"Well, perhaps none of us know yet. But you have the two of us," said Sonny. "You and I do share one thing, you know. You feel misjudged in several past-times involving you, just as I felt misjudged during my second chance. We all know it's not going to happen quickly, but however this may unfold…I do hope you find happiness, purpose and belonging again, Diesel."
Diesel could only whisper softly, but honestly, "…So do I, good fellow. So…do…I."
Then Diesel started off and oiled slowly down the line. Everyone watched as he disappeared around the bend and out of sight. Sonny, Daisy and David all had to admit that they had never seen Diesel like this, and none of them ever thought he would ever speak the words he had spoken today.
"Well…this has been a most interesting November 11th," David said at last. "But where will this lead to? I cannot say yet…"
Sonny nodded and looked to the captain.
"Well…it will take more than just Daisy and I to start guiding Diesel back to usefulness, Captain Rider."
"I believe you're right, Sonny," said Daisy. "Once he finds the right time…I think I know just the one who could do Diesel wonders."
"You know…so do I, Daisy," said Sonny, winking slightly to David. "But for now, we'd all best return to work. All shall be done in due enough course."
David raised his eyebrow slowly to Sonny, but nodded as well. Then he turned around, nodded to his crew, then they all got onboard Daisy again. Shortly afterwards, she and Sonny set off on their own ways to. This year's Remembrance Day had played out like clockwork in regard to the ceremony and its proceedings, from the welcome speech to the Last Post, to the silence to the laying of the wreaths. It was Remembrance Tradition through and through, but for Diesel, it was indeed something bigger, and this was only the beginning of a slow-moving but major turning point for him and for others too, as Sonny, Daisy, Duck and even a few others would find out in due enough course.
And so, Diesel's redemption arc finally begins. Had some troubles getting this one done, and it's been a very busy year in terms of personal stuff happening, so there's a strong chance that this might be the last story of 2023, assuming things don't slow down before the New Year. Luckily, we didn't have any Christmas stories planned for this year, but the few winter stories we do have coming up all take place after Christmas. With that being said, whether or not this does end up being our last story of 2023, I wish you all a Happy Christmas. Tell us what you thought of this story, and as always, stay safe.