DEAR FRIENDS,

If you are confused about Thomas' trip around the world, I don't blame you. You may have a lot of questions that no one has really answered before. What happened to the Fat Controller after Thomas made it back home? Did Thomas go around the world twice? How do Nia and Rebecca fit in to all of this?

Well, I am happy to say that a lot more happened during that period, and I am very pleased to finally share these stories with you. Hopefully, they will answer some of your questions as you find out what happened before, during and after Thomas went traveling around the world once more.

THE AUTHOR

Thomas the Tank Engine had recently traveled all around the world. He met a racing car named Ace and a tank engine called Nia. While Ace carried on with his big race, Nia joined Thomas on his journey back to the Island of Sodor. However, Thomas hadn't told the Fat Controller about his plan and left as soon as he could, leaving the Fat Controller to go chasing after him.

When the Fat Controller arrived in China, he heard that Thomas had made it back to Sodor. He was directed to the nearest Airport and took the next flight home.

It was getting late when the Fat Controller arrived at the Sodor Airport, and he was very tired. "I shall speak with Thomas in the morning," he decided.

The next morning, the sun shone, and the birds sang. At Tidmouth Sheds, the engines were getting ready for the busy day ahead. Nia was there too. As Edward didn't sleep at the Sheds anymore, Thomas thought it would be a good place for Nia to rest her wheels.

Then, the Fat Controller's car pulled up. He looked very serious.

Thomas tried to smile. "Good morning, Sir," he said nervously.

The Fat Controller stared silently for a moment. "Thomas the Tank Engine, what were you thinking boarding a ship and galivanting off with racing cars without telling me and sending me on a wild goose chase trying to find you? What is the meaning of this?!"

Thomas was ashamed. "I'm sorry, Sir. You did say I could go around the world if I found a way, but now I know I should have told you first. I wanted to be like that racing car, Ace, but I was wrong to listen to him."

"And who is this 'Ace?'" asked the Fat Controller.

"He was a yellow car from Australia."

"Did he have the number 43 on his side?"

Thomas gasped. "You saw him, Sir?"

"Yes, Thomas. I was told that you were loaded onto a ship bound for China. I asked Ace about you, and he told me where you had gone. I am not pleased with your actions, Thomas, but I am glad you made it back safely and I am proud of you for admitting your mistakes."

"Well, I wouldn't have made it without Nia, Sir."

The Fat Controller turned to the unknown engine. "And you, I'm sure, are Nia.

Now, it was Nia's turn to feel nervous. "What Thomas said was true, Sir, but he helped me along the way too."

"Yes, we helped each other," added Thomas.

The Fat Controller pondered. "Where are you from, Nia?"

"Kenya, Sir. It's a country in Africa, but my shed was demolished, and my Controller was sad to say he had no more work for me. I was trying to find a new shed and looked for work wherever I could to show I was still reliable. That's how I met Thomas, and he said I could stay here on Sodor."

"Please don't send her back, Sir," said Percy. "She can be Really Useful here."

"We will talk more about this later," the Fat Controller replied. "Right now, we have a very busy day ahead of us." He went about giving the engines their jobs. "And Thomas, you will be working at the Shunting Yard and showing Nia around."

"Yes, Sir," said Thomas, "but who will take Annie and Clarabel?"

"I have heard from Mr. Percival that Stanley has been doing your work while you were away, and I think he can help out a little longer. If we weren't so busy, I might have considered leaving you in the Shed." Thomas stared. "Now, I must get back to Knapford Station. I have some telephone calls to make."

Thomas and Nia arrived at the Shunting Yard and found Stafford waiting for them. "Thomas," he exclaimed, "welcome home. And who's your new friend?"

"This is Nia. She's going to be helping us today."

"All the better then. There's a lot of work to do."

The three engines set to work. They puffed busily backwards and forwards and helped Nia learn were way.

At teatime, they stopped for a rest.

"What do you think of Sodor, Nia?" Stafford asked.

"It's wonderful," Nia beamed. "Everything is so different, the buildings, the people, the engines, the sounds. It's all so exciting."

"Oh yes, Sodor is very special, isn't it, Thomas?" But Thomas didn't seem to be listening.

Nia whistled and surprised him. "What's wrong, Thomas? Are you having trouble shunting?"

Thomas sighed. "No, I'm very good at shunting, but sometimes, like today, it's boring."

"It's Stanley, isn't it?" said Stafford. "You miss your Branch Line, Annie and Clarabel and don't like Stanley doing your work."

"It's not that. I do miss my Branch Line and my coaches, but the Fat Controller told Stanley to do my work. It's not his fault."

"Well, I like shunting," said Nia. "Actually, I know how I can make it even more fun." Thomas didn't know how, but he still listened to Nia's idea.

When they went back to work, Nia asked about what they were shunting and talked about where they would be going and what they would be used for. Then, Nia showed Thomas and Stafford some new ways to sort the trucks and coaches.

The three engines began enjoying themselves. Nia talked about her home in Kenya, Thomas and Stafford told her about the Island of Sodor and the two tank engines enjoyed telling Stafford all about their journey around the world.

Before long, evening came, and Thomas and Nia made their way back to Tidmouth Sheds.

"Thank you, Nia," said Thomas. "I forgot how much fun shunting can be and I had fun talking with you and Stafford."

"So did I," puffed Nia. "I was happy to help, and Sodor sounds so amazing. I hope you can show me around some more…if I can stay."

Then, Thomas remembered what the Fat Controller said, and he started to feel sad again.

When they arrived at the Sheds, the Fat Controller was waiting for them. "Well, Thomas and Nia, I have some news for both of you," he said. "I have spoken to Ace's Racing Manager, and he realizes that what Ace said and did was wrong. I have heard about how hard you worked today, and you, Thomas, will be going back to your Branch Line tomorrow."

Thomas whistled excitedly. "Thank you, Sir!"

"As for you, Nia," the Fat Controller continued, "I also spoke with your Controller…and he says he is happy that you have found a new home."

Thomas gasped. "Does that mean…?"

"Yes, Thomas. Nia's Controller explained everything and while he also doesn't approve of you running off like that, Nia, he said you are more than welcome to stay on Sodor with us. Besides, it seems neither of us can ignore a Useful Engine in need."

Nia beamed. "Congratulations, Thomas."

"Congratulations to you too, Nia!"

All the engines whistled, and everyone cheered, "Welcome home, Thomas! Welcome to Sodor, Nia!"

Thomas was never happier to be home and Nia was very grateful to have found a new home for herself with her new friends on the Island of Sodor.