Conrad Explorer

One nice and sunny day, a few days after Theodore and Hank earned their V-Words, they've started doing their first job out on the open ocean with Shelburne the sea barge.

"So what are we here for?" asked Hank. "The Dispatcher said a cargo ship accidently dropped a container into the ocean an hour ago," explained Theodore. "So we're going to fish it out, right?" said Hank. "We must get it out of the ocean now," said Theodore. "Why so fast?" asked Hank.

"The container contains lead blocks," explained Theodore seriously, "And we have to do something about it!" "Ok," agreed Hank. So Theodore and Hank and Shelburne got to the spot where the ship dropped the container. Pugwash was waiting for them. "Let's go," said Theodore, "Pugwash will help us."

"I'm ready to go!" said Pugwash excitedly. So Pugwash dive below the ocean waters, followed by Shelburne's special hook. Theodore and Hank held Shelburne steady.

"We can do this," thought Hank to himself. In no time, Pugwash found the container. She examined the contained and found that although it was dented, no cracks were discovered. "Good," she thought as Shelburne's crane hook lowered into her sight. Pugwash fastened the hook onto the container.

This was the signal for Shelburne to raise the container up. "Here I go," he said slowly. Theodore and Hank did nothing but kept him steady. "This container is almost heavy," said Theodore.

Underwater, Pugwash kept an eye on the container to make sure that nothing goes wrong. In no time at all Shelburne raised the container out of the ocean. Pugwash immediately surfaced and everyone cheered in delight.

"We've done it, Theodore!" cheered Hank, but was careful not to bump Theodore or Shelburne, in case the container drops into the ocean. "Our first job on the ocean," thought Theodore, "We've done it together with help from our friends."

"It's true," said Shelburne slowly. Just then, a large ship came into sight. "Hello," said Theodore. "Hi," said Hank. "Hey there," said Pugwash and Shelburne together, although Shelburne said it slowly.

"I can take that container for you," said the ship. "Ok," said the tugs together and Shelburne placed the container onto the ship's cargo deck. Theodore saw the name of the ship on its hull. "Conrad Explorer?" said Theodore.

"That's my name," said the ship, named Conrad Explorer, "I am Conrad Explorer." "Pleased to meet you, Conrad Explorer," said Theodore, "My name is Theodore."

"I'm Hank," said Hank. "Pugwash is my name," said Pugwash. "I'm Shelburne the sea barge," said Shelburne in a slow tone of voice. "I see," said Conrad Explorer. "Me and Theodore got our V-Words!" shouted Hank.

"Yes, it's true," said Theodore. "Well, good for you," said Conrad Explorer, "I knew that's why you're working out here on the open ocean." "Anyway," said Hank, "Theodore, was it important to get that container out of the ocean?" "Yes, Hank," answered Theodore, "It contains lead components and as we know, lead is really toxic."

"Yes, its true," agreed Pugwash, "No wonder it's rarely used nowadays." "Well, most of the time," said Theodore, "Anyway, I've met your best friend, Cumberland." "I see," replied Conrad Explorer, "It was many, many years ago. Which reminds me, done with your job?" "Yes," replied everyone at once.

"Then let's all go to the Great Big Harbour," said Conrad Explorer. "All right!" replied Everyone. Theodore guided Conrad Explorer to the harbour and Hank towed Shelburne. Pugwash followed.

"So," began Conrad Explorer, "What did my friend do when he came here years ago?" "Well, he did blocked the harbour because he was upset that you we're with him," said Theodore, "But other than that, he was a good friend." "Oh," replied Conrad Explorer, "Didn't know he took it deeply."

"So what did you do that you'd have to leave Cumberland?" asked Hank. "I had to go out on a year long ocean transport duty," explained Conrad Explorer, "And I had to leave him as he's visiting your harbour." "Ok," replied Pugwash.

"When we did meet each other again, he told me about this harbour that we're going to right now, I'd thought I come for a visit one day, but our jobs prevented me from doing so." "Ok," said Theodore, "Now you're visiting us now." "Right," replied Conrad Explorer.

By now, they were nearing the harbour entrance. Millie, the small fishing trawler was fishing nearby. Then she noticed Theodore, Hank, and Conrad Explorer. "I've never seen that large ship before," she thought.

Soon enough, they've reached Bedford buoy. "Hello," he said, cheerfully. "Hi, Bedford," smiled Theodore and Hank. "Well," said Conrad Explorer, "You live in a nice place."

"Thanks," smiled Theodore and Hank as Foduck steamed up to meet them. "Theodore and Hank," he said, "Glad to see you back."

"Thanks," said Theodore. "We've got the container," said Pugwash. Foduck looked at the container on Conrad Explorers' deck. "Excellent," he said in triumph, "Theodore and Hank, you've proven yourselves worthy of being ocean tugs." "Thanks," replied everyone at once. "Shelburne and Pugwash helped us, too," said Hank. "I know," said Foduck.

"Now we're going to let our new friend, Conrad Explorer stay for a while," said Theodore, "And let him meet everyone here as well." "Ok," said Foduck, "Let's find a cargo dock for him."

And everyone entered the Great Big Harbour together. Conrad Explorer will enjoy his visit.