It was the middle of October on Sodor. Only a couple short weeks ago, there had been a most unexpected and hard-hitting event that Sodor had come to see and hear about. After a very strong, fierce and dry thunderstorm brushed the edges of Sodor, it shifted southward and cast utter ruin and desolation upon Misty Island, home to the Logging Locos, Bash, Dash and Ferdinand. With much panic, horror and scrambling, they all made it off the island and found their way back to Sodor alive and in one piece, but at a terrible price. With their tunnel entrance blocked by the ongoing destruction of the raging wildfire, Belle and Flynn couldn't rush over to fight the fire, and even with Harold and Captain's endless efforts and the following downpour of rain that had transpired soon afterwards, Misty Island's forest and railway were now nothing more than a barren land of smoke and ash, and so it would remain for the rest of time. The Logging Locos' hearts were of course decimated, but with Thomas' encouragement, they had now found new refuge alongside Henry's Forest, where they could continue their logging work, establish a new life on Sodor and still be really useful engines.
But on the coastal lines across the North Western Railway, there was another matter and a bigger priority waiting to be made. Over the two weeks that followed, and even before Misty Island had gone down in flames, the Fat Controller had been noticing that the harbours at Brendam, Arlesburgh, and Knapford were slowly but surely facing greater prospects of congestion, as more and more boats and ships were coming into port with essential goods. Every other day or two, scattered across the different harbours, cargo would sometimes lie on the quay for a few hours despite the best efforts of all the workmen, merchants and fishermen working longer hours and doing all they could to manage all the loads. The other engines had slowly been noticing this as well, but didn't give much thought to it otherwise as they kept on with their own work.
As for the Fat Controller, he had been meditating on this matter early on, mostly on account of seeing that the Logging Locos were settled in and well-established with Henry's Forest, but all throughout these two weeks, the matter of the busier harbours was tweaking more and more at his mind, and by the end of the second week, after the latest holdup at the harbours until the cargo was all in order, he had finally come to the decision that something had to be done to counter the increasing holdups that were sure to continue if nothing changed soon.
It was early afternoon on the fourteenth day, and the Fat Controller was in his office at Knapford, checking the timetable and all the upcoming schedules regarding even more ships yet to come to and from the harbours throughout the next few days. It was one of those moments where the paperwork seemed to be growing bigger and bigger by the moment, almost making the Fat Controller feel alarmed. Suddenly, he shut the timetable book and marched out of his office. He shut the door strongly and paced a little along the platform…while someone else was walking by just outside the station.
"Dear, oh, dear," the Fat Controller said to himself. "So many boats and ships dropping in at all the harbours, and still, we continue to have these ever-increasing holdups with no end in sight! I think it's high time we look into adding another harbour. Then we could save a great deal, if not all of this fuss and trouble."
Just then, the Fat Controller heard footsteps. He looked up and saw someone who looked like a fish merchant walking briskly toward him.
"Excuse me, Sir Topham," said the merchant. "I'm Vere Hammond, one of Kirk Ronan's fish merchants. I was passing by the station, but I couldn't help but overhear. It sounds like you're tinkering with the prospect of needing another harbour to manage all the vessels coming through here?"
"Well…yes, I am, Mr. Hammond," said the Fat Controller. "As we all know, we can't have confusion and delay overtaking the harbours running like clockwork. You…you wouldn't happen to have any thoughts or suggestions…would you?"
Hammond pondered curiously and drew a little smile.
"Hmm. Well, as the whole island has been noticing this trend in busier harbours, I thought that perhaps you could come to Kirk Ronan…where we could discuss this matter further? I think the residents and merchants there have some input of their own, if you'd care to hear?"
"Hmm…" the Fat Controller pondered. "Well, in the matter of harbours, I see no reason why not. Yes. I will come."
So the Fat Controller and Vere Hammond headed for his car, then drove on their way down the road.
Soon, they arrived at Kirk Ronan Station. The Fat Controller took one glance at the platform, and there was Gordon's panoramic view still showing proudly, ever since Gordon had one of his most severe accidents that led to the station receiving the view in his honour, when his brakes jammed on the day of the official opening and sent him crashing through the wall, after which the hole was repaired and modified to resemble the shape of an engine, with which Gordon heartily agreed. But the Fat Controller had a bigger priority to work on today as he saw a fair number of residents and local fish merchants on the platform waiting for him.
"Good afternoon, Sir Topham," said one of the merchants. "Very good that you could come."
"Afternoon, gentlemen," said the Fat Controller. "Now, Mr. Hammond here ran into me at Knapford, and he says you all have some input in regard to the busier harbour volume we've been seeing of late."
"Indeed, we do have some thoughts…and an idea we thought you'd like to consider," said one of the residents.
The Fat Controller suddenly began wondering just what these men had in mind, and if they were in line with what he could be thinking himself.
"Well, speak up. What's your input?" he asked.
"Well, Sir Topham," said one of the merchants. "In the matter of Brendam, Arlesburgh and Knapford Harbours all contending with the increasing volume of ships and more frequent holdups on the quay now and again, we strongly think that having another harbour could help mitigate the holdups that have been occurring now and again."
"Of course it would. I firmly agree," said the Fat Controller. "After seeing the current activity over the past two weeks, I do believe it's time we had another harbour on our coastal ranges."
"That's why we thought it prudent to call you over here, Sir Topham," said another resident. "If you're looking into adding another harbour for the ships and boats to dock at…we thought that perhaps…you could look into restoring the old Kirk Ronan Harbour?"
"And bring it back to full operation after so long," said Vere Hammond. "What say you?"
Everyone watched and waited as the Fat Controller fell silent and began thinking critically, carefully and curiously. Years and years ago, the Kirk Ronan Harbour was where Skarloey was first unloaded when he first ever arrived on Sodor, all the way back in 1865, and where Rheneas was unloaded the following year. Then the harbour had been abandoned several years after the First World War during the Great Depression, then it later suffered unfathomable bombing attacks during the Second World War, and even today, the harbour was just as abandoned and inactive as ever before. The Kirk Ronan Branch Line, however, still saw very consistent service from many of the engines as it ran from Kellsthorpe Road to Rolf's Castle and then terminated right here at Kirk Ronan Station. The branch line was also home to the Toy Factory and the Cement Works, where Fergus the Traction Engine worked every day, and near the Cement Works, the line extended outward towards Pirate's Cove and eventually met the Main Line Loop at Cabalnoo Maritime Museum, where the Admiral dug up the pirate treasure Thomas had followed the clues for after opening the museum. All these areas of interest provided ample amounts of service for the branch line, and the Pudding Factory was also situated close to the town, though its only access was by road and automobile.
All of these thoughts and facts occupied the Fat Controller's mind as he pondered the possibilities and the merchants' proposition he had just heard. All the residents and merchants continued to await his answer. Then after what felt like twenty minutes, the Fat Controller looked up and very slowly smiled.
"Gentlemen…I think you all have very good points on this matter. Our current harbours need help, and it's been a spell ever since Kirk Ronan Harbour had any hint of activity all those years ago. With that said, access to the harbour would prove to be even more beneficial in providing more passengers and goods for the branch line and the rest of the island."
All the residents and merchants looked intently as they awaited the final judgement on this proposal.
"It's settled, then," said the Fat Controller. "With long and hard work and being really useful, Kirk Ronan Harbour shall be a thriving port for our boats and ships once again. It will be very good for the branch line and most beneficial to the rest of the railway. I will attend to the matter immediately with the railway inspectors."
"So will I," said Vere Hammond. "I think there's an idea or two I might be pitching myself. We'll wait and see."
All the residents and merchants cheered, and the Fat Controller tipped his hat and got right to business. He hurried to find a telephone and soon called up the three inspectors, telling them all about his newfound proposition. The railway inspectors were all most intrigued and agreed it would be a worthwhile motion to inspect the old harbour and see exactly what had to be done.
Soon, the three railway inspectors arrived at Kirk Ronan in a shiny black car and saw the Fat Controller and Vere Hammond returning to his own car. They gave a nod to the inspectors and set off down the road. Then both cars set off down the road to visit the long-abandoned base of operation.
Soon, they all arrived at Kirk Ronan Harbour and got out of their cars. Right at the first moment, Vere Hammond, the Fat Controller and the railway inspectors could see everything that needed to be done from step one. Kirk Ronan Harbour was just as abandoned, desolate, remote and inactive as it ever had been since it closed down all those years ago. Over the next few hours, the five men ventured throughout the harbour to get a full scope of what could and had to be done to bring this place back into business. They checked high, they checked low. They checked near and they checked far. Sheds, overhangs and the other small buildings were steadily dilapidated and sagging apart from neglect. On the quayside, evidence of the Second World War bombing was clear for all the men's eyes to see as parts of the cement quay were missing, and right by the main docking area, almost the whole slab had been blown out by one of the bomb blasts. Rusty bits of metal and pieces of old ships were scattered consistently throughout the area. All in all, this was going to be a rather big, busy and lengthy project to tackle. But it wasn't just about restoring the harbour, and the Fat Controller knew this. Bringing it back into business would also mean extending the branch line further, adding more sidings and building more railway lines to help keep the harbour in consistent operation with engines coming and going to collect whatever loads passing ships would leave here on the quay.
At last, by the time everything had been checked over and inspected, evening was just beginning to set in. The Fat Controller, the railway inspectors and Vere Hammond all gathered at the harbour's entrance and put their heads together.
"Well, Sir Topham," said the Head Inspector. "All things considered and inspected, this whole harbour is in great need of significant restoration."
"Indeed, it is," said another inspector. "The foundations have since been severely weakened over the years and decades, and we'll have to replace all of these old rusty rails and worn out sleepers with fresh, new stretches of rails."
"All things considered," said the third inspector. "This whole project will take several months to complete, and will most certainly cost a considerable bundle."
"That it will, gentlemen. It's going to be a long and busy project indeed," said the Fat Controller. "But in the end, I do think it will be a worthwhile investment. With Fergus at the Cement Works already located along this branch, they could provide ample support in this project, and I'll then assign three other engines to run the branch line once everything is all done."
"Yes, of course, Sir Topham. The more, the merrier," said the Head Inspector.
"But first things first," said the Fat Controller. "This harbour's foundations must be reinforced before any other work can begin."
The inspectors nodded and agreed. It was then that Vere Hammond looked out to sea, and suddenly, after keeping mostly quiet, he had a little idea to put forth for this interesting project, regarding something he had come to know just a few days earlier.
"Hmm…Sir Topham? If I may?" he asked.
"Yes, Mr. Hammond?" said the Fat Controller.
"This project has just given me an idea…and it actually reminds me of something only from a few days ago."
"What would that be?" asked the Fat Controller.
Hammond swallowed a little nervously, but looked up and spoke clearly.
"Sir…I know this is going to be quite a shock to you. But with more and more ships visiting the harbours, and of course with many of them vising this harbour once it's up and running again…I would actually recommend…that we have Bulstrode the Barge be restored, then put back in operation."
The Fat Controller and even the railway inspectors stopped right where they were, clearly stunned and caught completely off guard by this idea.
"What?" the Fat Controller asked slowly, and decisively.
Hammond nodded once and went on.
"You heard me correctly, sir. The harbour business is in need of another boat to help catch and transfer fish to shops in the town, and of course, onboard the Flying Kipper."
"Mr. Hammond…surely you haven't forgotten?" said the Fat Controller. "Bulstrode was the most disagreeable barge on these waters, ceaselessly complaining to anyone and everyone he possibly could over whatever little mundane thing he could think of. Even on the beach, he complains and groans whenever he can."
"That's not the way I remember it from just a few days ago," said Vere Hammond. "Because I came to learn something from him."
"Have you?" said the Fat Controller. "And what exactly did you learn from him?"
"Well, sir, recently, I visited Bulstrode at Knapford Beach. I cannot deny, he is still grumpy…but something did come from him which I did not expect. He admitted to me that he genuinely regrets his mistakes and wants to be useful again. After all, he's been paying the price for his bad attitude for decades now, and people barley use him as a playground anymore. I haven't seen any children playing in him for a number of months now. At this point, he's really only being left to rust away…and unlike Bulgy and George had in the past, he's never had a second chance since. Never."
The Fat Controller fell looked down and began pondering again, while the railway inspectors considered in their minds as well.
"I do think it would boost this harbour's rejuvenated operation considerably with Bulstrode back on the water," said Hammond. "Having him help would provide the rest of the island with many more fish and services here. And if his grumbling starts getting out of hand again, my crew and I will deal with it on the double as he shall be in our realm of responsibility. Surely leaving him on the beach for as long as it's been has taught him something or other, wouldn't you say?"
The Fat Controller trailed his palm along his chin and looked down, thinking deeply and thoroughly on what he had just been told. Hammond and the railway inspectors waited, then finally with a slow nod, he looked up again.
"So be it. He shall be put back on the water," he said at last. "So long as he promises to be on his best behaviour and nothing less…perhaps another chance may do him quite well."
"I do believe it will, Sir Topham," said Hammond. "So, before the sun sets…what say we dash down to Knapford Beach…and tell him the jubilating news?"
The Fat Controller just smiled as he returned to his car, followed by Vere Hammond. Then together, they set off down the road while the railway inspectors went their own way to continue the preparations for this upcoming project.
At Knapford Beach, the sun was starting to set. There were a few fishermen in boats just off the shoreline, seeing if they could catch any fish before they'd return home, while on the shoreline, there sat Bulstrode, sitting and rusting away on the cove, looking as glum and miserable as had been ever since he was left here so long ago after Percy's trucks of stone all fell on him and sunk him. For the past few days now, he had been thinking about his little talk with Vere Hammond and how he felt when confiding his true thoughts and intentions, but it didn't seem like anything was going to come of it anytime soon.
"Uhh…" he groaned lowly to himself. "A big barge like me, languishing and rusting away year after year after year, through blistering suns, bitter winds, pouring rain, crashing thunder and freezing ice and snow! Will the day ever, EVER come that I may be returned to the sea again?"
Bulstrode's sentence was scarcely complete when there came the sound of a car not far away. Bulstrode looked up at once, and there was the Fat Controller's car stopping just beside the beach. Then out he came, followed by Vere Hammond. Bulstrode suddenly grew very curious as they came walking onto the beach, then steadily came walking toward him. Bulstrode's heart beat faster. What was this about? Why were they here? Both men came up to him, then stopped and looked at him.
"S…Sir Topham Hatt?" Bulstrode asked carefully, and very curiously. "What…what brings you here?"
The Fat Controller straightened his hat and looked right at the disagreeable barge.
"Bulstrode the Barge," he said steadily and surely. "For decades, you've been left here on the beach and haven't budged a single inch. As we last recall, you were the most disagreeable barge on the water, complaining to anything and everything you saw on the rails and the water alike, until the day came that those trucks all fell onto your deck and sunk you halfway under the sea, then here you were left for children to play in all day…until at long last, you'd be useful."
Bulstrode's heart pounded even harder as he waited almost excruciatingly as to what would be said next.
"…Y…yes?" he said carefully. "And?"
The Fat Controller looked even closer at Bulstrode and went on.
"Well, over the past few weeks, we've been noticing that more and more ships have been docking in at all the harbours, which has resulted in consistently increased holdup now and again, and it is not the most ideal position for those harbours to be in. To that effect, I have decided that Kirk Ronan Harbour shall be restored to help balance out the volume…"
"Y…yes?" said Bulstrode.
"And Mr. Hammond here tells me that you and him spoke together right here jut a few days ago," said the Fat Controller. "He told me everything…and now, given the circumstances at our harbours right now, and our upcoming project for Kirk Ronan…I have come to the conclusion that it would do nicely to have more boats…and barges out on the water to help. As such, Bulstrode…I shall arrange to have you repaired and restored…then have you put you back on the water at last."
Words could scarcely, scarcely describe what Bulstrode was suddenly thinking and feeling in these very moments. For the first time in an incalculable amount of time in his entire life, he smiled from port to starboard and his eyes lit up in a way no one had ever seen him do before, if ever.
"I…I…s-s-s-…sir!" he gasped. "A…are…are you truly…?!"
"Yes, Bulstrode. He is," said Hammond.
"Ohh…oh…by my decks!" Bulstrode gasped. "A…a miracle!"
"But…!" the Fat Controller added rather sternly. "With your restoration and return to service, we all expect and command nothing less than your best behaviour! Should your behaviour start to shift back to what we saw from you all those years ago, we simply will not stand for it! Vere Hammond and the Kirk Ronan merchants will be ready to do anything they must to address it! Do you understand and accept these terms?"
"Yes…I…I do, sir," Bulstrode answered with honesty.
"Good," the Fat Controller replied. "Tomorrow, I shall have an engine bring Judy and Jerome along to haul you off this beach, then have you on your way to be repaired and restored. Should your behaviour prove beneficial and really useful, we may be prepared to make you the signature barge of the newly restored Kirk Ronan Harbour."
"Yes, sir. And thank you, sir. Nothing else for me say but…thank you," said Bulstrode.
The Fat Controller slowly nodded and held Bulstrode's side.
"If that is indeed true…you are welcome."
Then the Fat Controller and Vere Hammond returned to his car once more and drove off, leaving Bulstrode smiling and beaming away for the rest of the evening, and it was without a doubt the best he had ever felt yet in his life.
Soon after the Fat Controller dropped Hammond off at Kirk Ronan Station, the railway was starting to wind down for the night. The engines had looked after all their passengers, managed all their goods trains and were now returning to their sheds across the island, while the Fat Controller returned to Topham Hall at last. Lady Hatt could see he was excited and it wasn't long before he told her all about his upcoming project for Kirk Ronan Harbour and the branch line extension.
"Bringing back Kirk Ronan Harbour? Extending the branch line? Oh, my gracious!" she exclaimed. "This project is going to be a big one, to put it mildly, Bertram dear."
"I think 'big' is too small a word to describe this project, my dear," said the Fat Controller. "It's gargantuan. Engines, workmen and myself alike will have to work long and hard to bring this project to full fruition, but with long and hard work, and being really useful, I know we will succeed."
"Well, whatever needs to be done, it's is going to be quite the spell of productivity," said Lady Hatt. "I'm sure all the engines will be excited and eager to do whatever they can to help."
"I'm sure they will be too, my dear," said the Fat Controller. "I shall tell the Steam Team all about it tomorrow once the time comes, as the other controllers across the island shall tell their engines too."
That night, as the Hatts lay in bed, the Fat Controller's mind was quite full with the building anticipation of telling the other engines about this project, and just how much they would be doing over the next few months to contribute to this project. It was going to be a big project, but very productive and really useful too, and so the Fat Controller slept that night with a clear course to set in motion.
Early the next morning, the Fat Controller telephoned the Thin Controller and got him all up to speed about his proposition for Kirk Ronan Harbour and its branch line. The Thin Controller was immediately enthused and inspired to partake in the project himself, and as soon as he was off the phone, he hurried to call his engines to attention and tell them the news too.
Before long at Crovan's Gate, the Thin Controller had gathered Skarloey, Rheneas, Sir Handel, Peter Sam, Duncan, Rusty and Luke together and told them all about the restoration project. The engines, of course, were all very excited.
"Well, I'll be! Kirk Ronan is coming back!" Sir Handel exclaimed.
"What a grand return and addition this will be!" Duncan added.
"Such a massive jump in time since any boats have gone through there!" added Peter Sam.
"Well, one day soon, the boats and ships will be visiting that harbour once again," said the Thin Controller. "As such, to help with the restoration, the Blue Mountain Quarry will be providing the stone to help rebuild the harbour. To that effect, you will all soon be very, very busy, and really useful too as this quarry is indeed the closest to Kirk Ronan."
"Goodness me," said Skarloey. "To think that's where I first arrived on Sodor so long ago. I can't believe it was all the way back in 1865…and oh, how I hated dangling from that ship's derricks!"
Rheneas suddenly laughed loudly, remembering the very beginning all too well himself.
"Ho-ho-ho! That was back when you were a bucking bronco, Skarloey!" he laughed. "Until you were fitted with your cab and trailing wheels!"
Skarloey snorted.
"Well, I may have been a crosspatch back then, but I still remember another certain engine being a stick-in-the-mud!"
"That's right," chuckled Rheneas. "So were YOU!"
As the sun continued to rise, at Arlesdale End, Toby was just waking up in his shed, when his driver and fireman came running towards him.
"Wake up, Toby!" they shouted excitedly. "We've received a telephone call from Sir Topham Hatt calling on the Steam Team and more to gather at Knapford Station! Maybe it's good news!"
Within minutes, Toby was on his way to Knapford Station to see what this was all about, and quite curious too.
At Wellsworth, Edward's driver told him about the gathering at Knapford Station as well, and soon, Edward was on his way as well.
"Hmm. I wonder what this could be all about," he pondered to himself.
And at Vicarstown, Henry and Rosie's drivers had told them the news too.
"Wow! What do you think, Henry?" Rosie asked. "What could this be all about?"
"I don't know, Rosie. But I do know we can find out by joining the gathering," said Henry.
Then he and Rosie hurried along the line for Knapford Station too.
At Tidmouth Sheds, the engines were starting to wake up and huff slowly out of their berths, ready to start another day, when the Fat Controller's car came hurrying toward the sheds. The engines watched as he came out and waved to them all.
"Good morning, sir. You seem excited," said Thomas. "What's going on?"
"Engines of the Steam Team," said the Fat Controller. "All of you must gather at Knapford Station right away. There is a most important matter for you all to hear about. There are more engines coming as well."
Then the Fat Controller returned to his car and raced off. The engines looked amongst each other.
"What could this be all about?" Rebecca asked.
"It must be something big," said Percy.
"And most important for all of us to gather together," said Emily. "I wonder…"
"We're all wondering, Emily," said Gordon. "So we'd best be on our way and join the meeting."
And so they did. The engines all huffed out of their berths one after the other, then followed each other to Knapford Station. There, they saw the Fat Controller just outside his office, and who else had come as well. Within minutes, all the engines of the Steam Team, current and former alike, and more were gathered together. Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy, Toby, Emily, Nia, Rebecca and Rosie were all lined up at the various platforms throughout the station while the Fat Controller came forth and explained everything.
"Engines of the Steam Team and more, thank you all for coming to this important meeting," he said. "As you all may recall, over the past few weeks, all our harbours have been facing more and more prospects of congestion and holdup. From Brendam to Arlesburgh to Knapford and more, more and more ships have been coming and going to deliver essential goods, but even with all our workmen and merchants' endless efforts, they can't always keep up with all the activity."
"Sounds like when we all had to come to the rescue at Brendam, while all the diesels were withheld in their sheds," said James.
"This had better not mean more sleepless nights for us all," put in Gordon.
"You needn't worry about that, Gordon," said the Fat Controller. "Because I have a proposition for the whole railway to pitch in to."
"What's that, sir?" Thomas asked.
"I have decided that in order to balance out the ever-busier volume at our harbours…we are going to need a new harbour. And so, just yesterday, I ventured to Kirk Ronan, as the fish merchants requested that I look into the old harbour they once had there many years ago."
"Ohh, yes, of course!" Thomas remembered. "Where Skarloey first set wheel on Sodor way back when."
"That's right, Thomas," said the Fat Controller. "Kirk Ronan Harbour has long-since been abandoned ever since the Great Depression, and it suffered a well-targeted bombing in the Second World War. But now, to help balance out the congested volume at the other harbours, I have decided that restoring Kirk Ronan Harbour and bringing it back to business would be a most useful investment for the whole railway…which is why I have also decided that we shall extend the Kirk Ronan Branch Line out further as well."
"Extending Kirk Ronan? Wow!" exclaimed Henry. "That will surely mean more passenger service, won't it?"
"And more people seeing my panoramic view at that station!" Gordon added. "I'd heartily vouch for that!"
Then the Fat Controller suddenly remembered.
"Oh! Furthermore, in regard to reopening this harbour…there is one other thing you all ought to know…which, I should tell you, might really shock you."
"What's that, sir?" Thomas asked.
The Fat Controller looked up at Thomas, then to Percy.
"Well…in the midst of this restoration project and expansion of the branch line…to help in bringing essentials to and from the harbours…by the suggestion of Vere Hammond…I have also decided to put Bulstrode the Barge back on the water."
The Fat Controller suddenly looked up to the sound of all the engines gasping in unison, most particularly Percy. While all the engines knew about this barge, Percy knew Bulstrode the best of anyone else in the sheds, and saw him the most regularly when he came and went from Knapford Harbour. Given his experience of his stone trucks all falling into that barge and half-sinking him, Percy found this near impossible to believe.
"Bulstrode? The Disagreeable Barge who never stops complaining?" he exclaimed. "That cantankerous, miserable old sod?!"
"That old tub?! Returning to OUR waters?!" James exclaimed next. "He never did us any good! Except the children who play in him all day!"
"He hasn't budged from that beach for decades and decades!" finished Thomas.
"No, Thomas, he hasn't," said the Fat Controller. "But it has indeed been 'long-last,' after all, and I think the time has now come for him to be given yet another chance. Vere Hammond told me he saw him some time back, and no one seems to be playing in him anymore…and as far as Mr. Hammond has told me, Bulstrode genuinely wishes to do good again. To that effect, I've a very good feeling he knows well enough not to muck it up for himself anymore. As such, Percy, you are to fetch Judy and Jerome and take Bulstrode to be repaired and restored after so many, many years."
All the engines looked at Percy who looked down his buffers for just a moment, thinking back to that day his trucks burst through those buffers and crashed down into Bulstrode. Then he looked up again and answered.
"Very well. I…I will, sir."
The Fat Controller smiled and nodded.
"Very good, Percy. And do not worry. If Bulstrode were to start misbehaving again, the Kirk Ronan merchants will be ready to address it. Anyway, furthermore about this project, extending the line out and beyond Kirk Ronan shall be a big part of all this as well. New sidings shall be added to Kellsthorpe Road in order to build new sheds for the engines who will soon be running the Branch Line, since, after all, the line starts at Kellsthorpe Road, and this plan has already been put into preparation, which I will be discussing with the railway inspectors and the Mayor of Sodor later today. All things planned and considered, this will take quite a long time to complete. Several months at least, but all of you will have a lot of work to do in order to see it come through. With all of us working together, and of course being really useful, I know this project can be achieved and we shall all be very proud when it's all finished. And so, let the preparations continue and the very best of working spirit to you all."
"Here, here!" all the engines whistled in unison.
With that, the Fat Controller headed to his car and drove off to continue the arrangements. Henry, Toby and Rosie all set off to start their work, while Edward and the Steam Team stood where they were for a few moments, thinking wildly about everything they could possibly do to contribute to this very big and very interesting project.
"Well. I think is quite an exciting project," said Nia. "Just think how much we can do to help bring it all forth!"
"Oh, yes, Nia," said Edward. "I remember when Kirk Ronan was still a bustling harbour until it wound down during the Depression…and when it fell to ruin during the Second World War. But now, after so many years, it can be a thriving little spot again."
"Phh. Thriving in more ways than good, I'd wager," James scoffed suddenly. "I'm not too sure about the harbour aspect of this project. With its restoration, we can only expect more and more sailors, drunk and sober alike from abroad to be fraternizing with the local ladies of Kirk Ronan!"
All the engines looked at James, then Emily spoke next.
"Come now, James. Don't be vain right on the first step of this whole project. There isn't a captain alive that would tolerate any sailors being drunk on their post, or shagging the local ladies. David would see such sailors handed over to Phelps and Gallagher in a mere snap of his finger."
"Is that right?" James retorted. "Then why, Emily? Why, on so many occasions when a ship from abroad ports at any harbour along here, there's such an alarming spike in pregnancies approximately nine months later?"
Emily raised her eyebrow as Thomas spoke next.
"Actually, he does have a point. While Emily and I know like crystal balls that David has never done such things in his service to the Navy, and he would never allow any of his crew to do such things either…it is true that Arlesburgh has seen pregnancy spikes before, long before David came and settled in with us."
"Neither can David argue or deny that it still happens now and again," Percy added. "You only have to ask Salty or Porter about such instances in Brendam…so we've heard about, at least."
"Well, from what little whispers I've heard," said James, "If you were to ask most of the sailors who do fraternize with the local ladies, they'd say they do it for fun, nor do they think about what could happen afterwards."
"Indeed, sometimes they don't think very wisely about it," said Nia. "I must say, it's certainly things like this which make me glad that engines can't have children…or…well…offspring engines…you understand what I mean."
"Pah! Of course we do, Nia," said James. "But in spite of that, I must say with the amount of noise Thomas and Emily may make in the Love Shed here, I couldn't blame any strangers for thinking they were indeed, actually shagging!"
In that instant, Emily's face immediately turned bright red, utterly embarrassed by such a bad-tasting joke at her and Thomas' expense. The other engines didn't seem amused by James' remark either. But Thomas, who was slightly less embarrassed, wasn't fazed at all and shot right back with a sparked tone.
"Well, James! That's rich, coming from the mouth of Molly's Super Ruby…or perhaps, her very own 'Super Shagger'?! No doubt every person living near Crovan's Gate heard your 'super racket' that night!"
This retort shut James up in half an instant. Everyone's eyes locked onto his beyond embarrassed expression as a very awkward silence ensued for a few lingering moments. It was so quiet, the only sound to be heard was a cat and dog fighting in a nearby alleyway, with yowls and growls coming from both for a few moments afterwards. Suddenly, the idea of seeing the old barge on the beach seemed much more appealing.
"Uhh…uh…o…okay…" Percy said, most awkwardly. "I…I think I'm off to go…hmm…Bulstrode fishing."
And with a sheepish peep of his whistle, Percy slipped away. The others watched him go round the bend, while Thomas winked to Emily, then Edward gave a steady sigh and spoke next.
"Seriously, James," was all he said, not exactly impressed.
Emily sighed too and spoke next.
"Goodness me…well, I can't argue or defend such instances of sailors fooling around with women like that, but right now, what should matter to all of us is the fact that this restoration project will benefit the railway even more than ever before."
"Amen to that, Emily," said Thomas. "This will be a big project for all of us to pitch in for. All of us being really useful for Kirk Ronan."
To this, the other engines whistled and ultimately agreed, managing to move past the sheer awkwardness only moments ago. Then they all set off on their own way to start the day themselves.
It wasn't long before Percy fetched Judy and Jerome, along with a long flatbed, and was soon whisking them along the line toward Knapford Beach to pick up the barge, then transfer him to be overhauled and restored.
"Absolutely unbelievable," said Percy. "I never thought that Bulstrode would actually be returning to the waters!"
"Well, Percy, the workmen did say 'at long last,' he'd be useful," said Judy.
"Hopefully all those years of children playing in him have gotten through to him," added Jerome.
Percy could only sigh and think to himself, "We all terribly hope so."
Sure enough, Percy looked ahead and saw Knapford Beach, and sitting on the shoreline, just as he had been for so very long, was Bulstrode. Percy slowed down and soon came to a stop as he looked curiously at the barge and how rusted up he was. Bulstrode's eyes were shut, clearly showing he was deep in thought, but he soon opened them and saw who had come along.
"Say…hello there…Percy," he said curiously.
"Hello…Bulstrode," Percy said a little awkwardly. "I…I don't think I need to say why I'm here, exactly…"
"Sir Topham told me an engine would come along with Judy and Jerome…" said Bulstrode. "And have me put back on the water again."
"That's right. I…I'm here to take you to be repaired, then restored," said Percy. "So many years I've passed through this beach with you sitting right there…and now…you're coming back. It…it's unbelievable."
Bulstrode looked at Percy and hummed lowly. Then suddenly…
"Well, thank you dearly, Percy," he chimed with a starting smile. "What…whatever it takes and however long it takes…I will do right by these waters, however I can and must."
"Well…that'd be really useful of you," said Percy. "Let us hope that can come to be for you, and Kirk Ronan, once it's all finished."
Soon, Judy and Jerome got to hauling Bulstrode off the beach, then slowly and carefully lifted him upwards and down onto Percy's flatbed. Then the workmen secured him down with chains, and soon Percy was running along the line to the works to have the barge looked over, repaired and restored.
"Well, here we go, Bulstrode," said Percy. "I…I must admit…I do hope they do you well in your restoration."
"You know, Percy…so do I," Bulstrode managed to smile as Percy set off down the line and around the bend…
As the day carried on, the news continued to spread across the island. More and more engines and more and more people were soon talking about the upcoming project and the possibilities of what could be done to bring it all together in the end.
In the meantime, the Fat Controller had been driving along the road and soon arrived at Crovan's Gate. There, he saw Molly at the platform and told her all about the project, just as he had told the others. Molly soon heard everything and was immediately engaged to help however she could.
"Wow! Kirk Ronan's Harbour coming back?" she exclaimed. "Of course, I'd adore to help, sir! What shall I be doing?"
"You'll do very nicely to partake in this project, Molly," said the Fat Controller. "You shall assist in transporting building materials to the harbour, on account of your great feats of strength; after all, they don't call you 'Molly the Mighty,' for nothing."
Molly was indeed proud to be given such a responsibility as she let off a little happy wisp of steam.
"Ooh-hoo-hoo! I'll be glad and proud to help however I can and may, sir. Thank you!"
"That's just the spirit this project needs, Molly. You are most welcome," said the Fat Controller. "Furthermore, I shall have Derek working alongside you until the harbour is back in service. I'm really looking forward to seeing it all get started. We all are."
Then the Fat Controller left. Molly just smiled from buffer to buffer and could only wonder just as much as the other engines as to what this project would provide for the whole railway, not just on the harbours, but further besides. All throughout the day, the planning and scoping out for the big project continued. While the Fat Controller met with the railway inspectors and the Mayor of Sodor to further discuss his plans, the Small Controller and Sir Robert Norramby came to hear about the proposition and told their fellow engines about the project themselves at the Arlesdale Railway and Ulfstead Castle alike. All the engines were excited and intrigued by this upcoming project and what they could all be doing to contribute to bringing it to full fruition. It would indeed take a long time, and would cost a considerable bundle, but the anticipation and opportunity to be really useful in a manner such as this was simply too much to pass on by for any engine. As with many big projects and ambitions, there would be any port in a storm.
Happy 2024, everyone. Now first things first; yes, the sailors being frisky bit was rather crude and sudden, since of all things, it's the engines talking about pregnancy spikes from one night stands involving sailors, and yes, it was inspired by a Victor Tanzig video - particularly the start of "The Stories of Sodor: Dieselisation" - but come on folks. Do you really think I haven't seen all the comments about my stories being about "train sex"? If you seriously think I don't recognise the comparisons after nearly ten years of doing these stories, then I hate to break it you, but I'm not insane; I've grown numb to any of those similarities when the engines are expressing their love. We may have described sessions between couples like Thomas and Emily, or James and Molly, as "lovemaking", but since they can't produce any offspring (what a shock), it isn't actually "train sex". I shouldn't even have to explain this, but here we are - and before anyone asks how I explain the engines being able to kiss; the answer is simply "I don't know or care how, they just do", in the same way I don't care how or why engines can even have faces in this universe, because it's JUST FICTION.
Anyway, I know that the idea of restoring Kirk Ronan Harbour isn't exactly original these days, but that's no excuse for why I can't take a crack at it, especially when it lets us throw in Railway Series references to Skarloey and Rheneas' earliest days from "Very Old Engines". And, if you've noticed that one of my upcoming stories will be titled "Tess the Troublesome Crane"; yes, the character from All Engines Go, Tess the crane, will eventually be brought over to my stories, where she will be situated at Kirk Ronan Harbour once it's fully restored. Even if All Engines Go sucks, that doesn't mean I can't use some of its original characters; I mean come on, it brought back Bulstrode, so if they can bring the old barge back, so can I. Between Bulstrode, Tess, and the three engines eventually assigned to run the branch line, Kirk Ronan Harbour will certainly be full of personality. So, with all that said, tell us what you thought of this story, and as always, stay safe.