Chapter 300: The Big 100

The day before the 100 year celebration, Mr. Percival gathered his employees at the sheds for an announcement. Everyone was there, except for Fred.

"I wanted to thank you all for your work getting ready for our centeneary. Tomorrow, there'll be a big party at Lakeside where we'll open the loop line. Of course, I'll be the one to cut the ribbon, and-"

"Oh, please sir!" The engine drivers cried. "Let me take you!"

Mr. Percival chuckled.

"Sorry to disappoint, but I'll be flying to the ceremony in Harold. No offense to any of you, but arriving by train is hardly a big entrance."

His employees were sad, but understood. Just then, Fred came in, looking very sheepish. Mr. Percival was not amused.

"You're late, Fred."

"I know, sir. I tried to be here on time, but there was a bad bit of line, and my engine can only go so fast, and-"

Mr. Percival sighed.

"Never mind, just try to reach the party on time tomorrow."

"Yes, sir."

Mr. Percival turned and walked away, leaving Fred miserable.

"Even when I actually try to do work, I still mess it up."

The next day, Mr. Percival headed to the airfield, hoping to board Harold's helicopter, only to find bad news.

"Engine trouble," Harold told him. "My helicopter won't be going anywhere, I'm afraid. Sorry."

"Bother! I'll never make it back in time."

"Pardon me, sir, but perhaps I can be of help?"

Mr. Percival turned to see a hot air balloon pilot approaching him.

"Only if you can get me to Lakeside."

"Sure! I just need to make a few last minute adjustments and we'll be on our way."

Before long, the balloon was ready and they took to the sky. Mr. Percival enjoyed the flight, everything looked so much smaller from the air. As he looked down, he saw Fred and the workmen trimming back trees and brambles. Even from up there he could tell it would be a long task.

"I do hope he can make it on time."

Fred also was concerned about keeping to time.

"Hurry up, please! He begged. "I promised the others I'd make it to Lakeside for the celebration."

"Sorry, Fred," replied the workmen, "But we have to make sure we get everything. I'm sure Mr. Percival would rather us get the job done right than get it done fast."

Fred knew they were right, but still wished he could get a move on.

Not 20 minutes later, Mr. Percival noticed that the balloon was starting to descend. Looking down, all he could see was forest.

"What's going on? We're nowhere near Lakeside."

"We're running out of fuel!"

"Didn't you make sure we had enough before we took off?"

"I thought I had! Brace for impact!"

With a crash, the balloon landed in the trees, hanging from mid-air in the branches. Luckily, they were only mildly hurt, but Mr. Percival was now stranded.

"Great! Now how am I supposed to get to Lakeside?"

Just then, they heard the toot of a diesel horn, and Fred drove alongside with the works train. He was aghast to see in such a state.

"Sir, are you alright?"

"I'll be fine, but I'm running late! Can you get me to Lakeside?"

"I'll try, but we won't be moving very fast."

"That's alright, I'll make do."

So Mr. Percival climbed into the guard's van, and the train set off.

At Lakeside, everyone was waiting for the ceremony to start. Time was drawing nearer, and they were starting to get anxious.

"Where's Fred? He promised he'd be on time today."

"Forget him, where's Mr. Percival? We can't start without him."

The moment the clock struck the hour, Fred arrived with Mr. Percival, tired but on time. Mr. Percival quickly clambered out of the van and onto the stage, adjusting his glasses. Noticing all of the stares, he just sighed wearily.

"Sorry about my appearance, I've had a bit of a rough day. I did have a speech prepared, but after the trip I've had I don't quite feel like rambling on, so I'll make it short and sweet. I'm so proud of my employees for always being right on time and really useful. It's because of them that this railway has lasted for so long, and I hope to see it prosper further in the future. So without further ado, I now declare this loop line open!"

The crowd clapped and cheered, and everyone agreed that it was the best centenary celebration yet.