Chapter 161: Buster 1, Moles 0

A huge storm had hit Sodor, and its residents awoke the next morning to find the island a wreck. Miss Jenny called her workers for the morning work meeting.

"Morning, team. Last night's storm created a big mess, so we have a lot of work to do today. Kelly and Isobella, I need you to clear fallen trees along Tidmouth."

"You can count on us!"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

"That's what I like to hear. Off you go."

Kelly and Isobella drove their vehicles out onto the open road. Miss Jenny watched them leave before continuing.

"Ned and Max, a landslide is blocking the path to Cronk Station. I need you two to clear it immediately. Percy will be there to help."

"You can count on us Miss Jenny!"

Max rolled his eyes, not sharing Ned's enthusiasm.

"Oh joy, rocks. Come on, Bumble head."

The two drove off as Miss Jenny continued speaking.

"Nelson, I need you to take Oliver to Henry's Tunnel. The right entrance has caved in, and I need Oliver to clear away the rubble."

"Yes, Miss Jenny!"

"Come on, Oliver!"

Once Oliver's excavator was safely on board, the two of them set off. Miss Jenny then turned to the rest of her crew.

"Jack, Alfie, Kelly, and Monty, I need you four at the football field. The Car Park is littered with trees and debris, and we need to finish it before the big game tomorrow. And remember..."

"Safety First!"

As the four made preparations to leave, Buster stepped forward.

"Are there any jobs for me, Miss Jenny?"

Miss Jenny looked at her clipboard.

"I'm sorry, Buster, but I cant find anything that requires a Steam Roller. But you never know, something could come up. Just stay here to be safe."

Buster's smile fell.

"Oh... I understand. Thanks anyway."

Miss Jenny watched as Buster slouched away. She felt sorry for him, but there was nothing she could do. A few minutes later, the team departed, Kelly, Monty, and Miss Jenny leaving by road while Thomas gave Jack and Alfie a lift. Buster sadly watched them leave.

Before long, the group was under way. Jack and Alfie loaded debris into Thomas's trucks, while Oliver and Kelly hauled fallen trees into Monty's dump truck. It was slow and hard work, but by lunchtime the work was finished. But as Isobella

delivered the goal posts onto the field, a startling discovery was made.

"Good gravy! Are those..."

"Mole hills!"

And lots of them. The whole field was littered with them. They would need Buster's help after all.

Buster was kicking a can around the yard when Thomas came rushing in.

"Buster, we need you at the football field urgently! Mole hills!"

"You can count on me!"

Buster was excited. There was nothing like being needed urgently. Once he was there, Miss Jenny showed him the field. Buster stared wide eyed.

"Woah, look at this! Its like a giant currant bun, only green! Don't worry, this wont take long!"

Buster cheerfully set to work, flattening all of the mole hills. Everyone stared in awe at how efficient he was being. Even the moles seemed impressed.

Before long, the whole field was flat once more. Everyone cheered, and Buster blushed bright red.

"Spot on, Buster! You'd make a mother proud!"

Buster just beamed proudly.