Chapter 131: Teamwork

Jock was enjoying his new job. His engine had passed all of its tests, and he quickly learned all that he needed to. The holiday season was soon upon them once more, where he got his chance to shine. His engine was stronger than the others, and proved popular with the holidaymakers. Some even came to the railway solely to see him and his new engine, and I'm sorry to say this made him rather conceited.

One morning, Jock was in the yards preparing his engine for the day when a low rumble was heard. A lorry carrying a container of sleepers pulled into the yard, but there was a problem. The gate was too small, and the lorry couldn't get into the yard.

"Well, that's torn it," the driver grumbled, "How am I supposed to make the delivery now?"

"Don't worry," said The Small Controller, "Just get it as close as you can. Jock here will handle the rest."

"If you say so. I've got other deliveries to make."

A cable was fastened between the trailer and Jock's engine. Jock opened the throttle, and slowly but surely the trailer was moved into the yards. The workmen cheered as Jock beamed proudly.

Later that night Jock told his story to the others.

"Road or rail, it doesn't matter. My engine is so strong it could pull anything."

"Strength isn't everything. What's important is that we all work together."

Jock ignored Frank and continued boasting. Everyone else decided to turn in early that night.

The next day, Mike was waiting at the station to take passengers up the line when he saw Jock backing his engine towards him.

"Thanks Jock, but I don't need help."

"The Small Controller insists. He said the party on the train has asked to see me especially."

"See your engine, you mean."

"You say tomato, I say lets get this show on the road."

"Whatever, just don't make me do all of the work."

"Don't you worry, Mikey. You just leave it all to me."

Mike silently fumed as the guard blew his whistle. As they left the station, an idea flew into his head.

"Yes. I'll do it after the green. He will look silly."

"You say something, Mikey?"

"Oh, nothing. Just thinking to myself."

As they left the green, Mike began to shut off steam. Soon Jock began to feel the whole weight of the train, Mike and his engine included, drag his engine back.

"Oi, Mike, you better not be pulling something back there!"

"Who, me? Don't worry, just a little short on steam. I'll have it soon sorted out."

"Yeah, well you better."

Once they reached the top station, the passengers got out to stretch their legs. Jock used this opportunity to confront Mike.

"Alright, Mike, I know you're up to something, so spill."

"Nonsense. You seemed to be enjoying yourself back there, I didn't want to spoil your fun."

Jock grinned slyly.

"Oh, is that what it was? I thought I was going to fast for you."

Now it was Mike's turn to be upset.

"Too fast? Just you wait."

Jock wisely dodged off while Mike continued to fume.

A short while later they set off for the journey home. This time Mike didn't hold back. Instead he pushed his engine even harder, pushing Jock along the line.

"Slow down, Mike. We're not racing anyone."

"That's what you think. I'll show him, I'll show him."

At the green, they stopped so the engines could take on water. But when Mike tried to fill his engine's tanks, he found that nothing happened.

"Hey, what gives? My engine needs water or it'll burst."

Jock stepped over to see what the problem was.

"Looks like a failed injector. Maybe if you had put in some effort earlier this wouldn't be a problem."

"I better telephone control. They'll send help right away."

"No need, Mike. My engine can handle this."

"What? Are you crazy?"

Jock stood firm, and Mike reluctantly agreed and put out the fire. Slowly but surely, Jock drove his engine, Mike's engine, and their train out of the station all by himself. It was hard going, but in the end little time was lost. Duck was waiting for the train to take their passengers to the big station.

"'ello, you two. You're running a little later. What seems to be the problem."

Mike looked down in embarrassment.

"Well, uh-"

Before he could say another word, Jock butted in.

"Cow on the line. Took ages to shoo her away."

"Oh, alright then. Goodbye."

With that Duck drove off, leaving Mike speechless. As Jock pushed his engine into the workshops, Mike found his voice.

"Why did you stick up for me?"

"Well, I could see that you felt sorry, and I knew Mr. Fergus would be cross when he heard about your trick, so I thought I would save you some face."

"Well, thanks. And…I'm sorry about earlier. You were grand."

"Thank you, and I'm sorry too. I guess I have let all the attention go to my head. Friends?"

"Friends."

Jock now works hard on The Arlesdale Railway and is really useful. He still has a boastful streak, but he never lets it get the better of him. He's just happy to be doing what he loves.