On the Island of Sodor, all the engines were bustling away with their jobs, thinking now and then about the Hatts on their two-week holiday and what they could be up to. Gordon had returned from dropping the Hatts off at Carlisle and was now back on express duties with Rebecca. Meanwhile at Ulfstead Castle, Sir Robert Norramby was watching Millie, Stephen and Glynn working along the castle grounds, when he suddenly heard the phone rang.
"Hmm. Who could that be?"
Sir Robert hurried back inside the castle and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Oh! Sir Robert! It's Sir Topham!" came the answer.
"Oh, Sir Topham, hello. You and Lady Hatt are settled in for your holiday, I trust?"
"That we are, Sir Robert," said the Fat Controller.
"Then what are you doing calling me?" Sir Robert asked playfully. "Don't you have golf to play at the Dunskey Club?"
"Not at the moment, Sir Robert. But right now…I never would have expected it, but I have just found out something you would not believe. You – would – not – BELIEVE!"
"Is that so?" said Sir Robert. "It must be something absolutely fabulous. I can hear it in your voice."
After a brief pause, the Fat Controller spoke again.
"Sir Robert Norramby. This very day, this very hour in fact, Lady Hatt and I were checking out the goods yards that connect to the Wigtownshire Joint Railway near the Portpatrick Hotel, and there, we found…"
As Sir Robert listened, he heard about Sandy the rail speeder and was considerably intrigued. But then, just a few moments later, when he heard what the Fat Controller had just unveiled in that very shed in those yards, something deep within him stirred very strongly and he steadily smiled from ear to ear. Never did he imagine that something like this would ever happen, but now it had.
"Oh…by my word!" Sir Robert exclaimed. "A BLOOMER Engine?! Still here today?! Why, Sir Topham, that's marvelous! It's fabulous!"
"I knew you'd think so, Sir Robert," the Fat Controller answered proudly. "Therefore, to ensure he has another chance of being really useful and having a brand-new life with all of us, I propose to form a joint ownership of Bloomer between you and me. What say you?"
Sir Robert's smile beamed even bigger and was ready with an answer at once.
"Yes, of course, Sir Topham!" he exclaimed. "I'll more than happily partake in funding his restoration process!"
"Excellent! I'll arrange to have Bloomer sent on his way to Sodor as soon as I can," said the Fat Controller. "I'd say he'll make a most splendid addition to the railway, and perhaps Ulfstead Castle too!"
"Oh, that he will, Sir Topham," Sir Robert replied. "I'll be ready and waiting for him."
"Very good," said the Fat Controller. "Well, I must get to the arrangements. Goodbye."
Sir Robert said goodbye in turn and hung up, then looked slowly out the castle window with a deep breath.
"Unbelievable," he smiled strongly.
Meanwhile back in the Wigtownshire Joint goods yard, while Bloomer sat in his shed, beaming away to his pending second chance of being really useful, Lady Hatt had left to check on her husband while he made the arrangements. In her absence, Sandy stayed and bared Bloomer company.
"Well, Bloomer," said Sandy. "How does it feel to come back to providing service to the railway?"
"I…I honestly don't know what to say, Sandy," said Bloomer. "I never imagined in any realm of possibility that this would happen to me. It just makes me wonder what lies ahead of me in a brand-new age of railways."
"Ohh, after seventy long years and more?" said Sandy. "Trust me, Bloomer, there's so much for you to see, hear about and do."
Bloomer nodded slowly, then took a closer look at Sandy. Having been cut off from the rest of the world for over seventy years, he was naturally curious about everything around him, including his speeder acquaintance right here in front of him.
"Say, Sandy…I don't think I've ever seen rolling stock quite like you. What are you supposed to be? You're not an engine, per say."
"Well, Bloomer, I'm a speeder, or track-maintenance car," she replied. "I'm built to help track inspectors and work crews move quickly to and from work sites. But in actuality, I'm not very fast or strong, hence I'm not really able to do much else apart from shunt a few trucks at a time, and even then, with how the railway has barely seen any work lately, I've mostly been neglected and left with little else to do."
Bloomer suddenly looked sad to hear of his old railway being in such a state, understandable as it was after him being sheltered from everything over the past seventy years and beyond.
"Well, sweetheart, it's almost ironic that they call you a speeder…despite you not being able to run very fast."
Sandy had to laugh.
"Ho-ho! Well, vehicles like me are called speeders because we're faster than a human-powered vehicle like a pump trolley or draisine."
Of course, Bloomer hadn't heard anyone talk about draisines in ages and he couldn't help but laugh in turn.
"Gracious me, my darling, you really are making me feel as old as I really am. Do tell, Sandy, exactly how do you operate?"
"I run on an electric motor, like the ones cars use to move on the roads," said Sandy. "You could say I'm pretty much a motor-powered draisine rather than bicycle-powered. In fact, if my memory serves me, the first type of modernized inspection car dates back to at least 1896."
"1896, you say? Well, my goodness," said Bloomer. "That's only eight years or so after I was hidden away…and seventy or more besides. By God. What HAVE I been missing…?"
A few minutes later, Bloomer looked and saw the Fat Controller and Lady Hatt coming back, who both seemed like they had news to tell.
"Bloomer, it's all in hand. All the arrangements are made," said the Fat Controller. "Before long, you'll be brought to the Island of Sodor and the North Western Railway, where you shall meet all the rest of my fellow steam engines and diesels too."
"Oh, sir. Thank you," said Bloomer.
"Tonight, a diesel is coming to bring you as far as Carlisle, Bloomer," said Lady Hatt. "Then from there, another engine will bring you the rest of the way to Sodor."
This being the first time he had ever been introduced to the subject of diesels, Bloomer was of course confused.
"Diesel? Diesel? I don't believe I'm familiar with that term. What are they exactly?"
"Ohh, of course, there weren't any in your age of railways," said the Fat Controller. "Well, Bloomer, Diesels came about on railways in the 1930s. Instead of coal and water, they are fueled by diesel fuel and oil, which can generate just as much and sometimes more power than a steam engine."
Of course, Bloomer was surprised and astonished.
"Really? You…you mean to say no coal? No water? But…but how in the world is that possible?"
"Well, I'm sure no one ever thought of such things back in your days, Bloomer," sad the Fat Controller. "But I assure you, you will soon grow accustomed to diesels. I own both steam and diesel on my railway, and I am proud of all my engines for the work they do and the good will they share on my railway."
"Well, then. All in good time, I suppose," said Bloomer.
"Now," said the Fat Controller. "We'd best get you onto a flatbed, as well as a crane to load you onto it. Sandy?"
"Oh! Of course, sir," said Sandy.
The Fat Controller got in her cab, and off she dashed to bring Bloomer what he needed. In ten minutes, Sandy came back with a flatbed, some workmen and a small breakdown train, all set for Bloomer to be loaded onboard. The workmen were of course amazed and most surprised to see the rare discovery that had just been made.
"Now, Bloomer. It's been over seventy years…and now a whole new life can begin for you," said the Fat Controller.
"So let's get you out and onto your ride," said Sandy.
"Alright, then, old darlings…I'm ready," said Bloomer.
The workmen coupled Sandy to Bloomer, then she started pulling to get him out of his shed after so very long. But almost right away, Sandy found it difficult to move Bloomer, due to how stiff and rusty he had become over such a long period of aging. Sandy tugged and pulled and slipped once or twice, but very slowly, Bloomer's wheels started to move, and he slowly emerged out of his shed and into the open light. His wheels squeaked and his joints creaked and groaned as he moved further out, but soon enough, he was right out and in the open air, to which he took a deep breath in, then sighed quite contently.
"Ahh…how lovely," he smiled. "Why, it's so good to be back!"
The workmen then proceeded to dust Bloomer down, getting rid of all the cobwebs and dust that had gathered and settled all over him all this time. Soon, Bloomer was dusted right down, though his livery was very, very old and even rusty, but that didn't matter. He would soon be put to rights all over again on Sodor.
"Oh, yes. That's the Bloomer class I know," said the Fat Controller. "With well-done tender loving care and a new coat of paint, you'll feel like a young engine again, Bloomer."
"I'm starting to feel young already, my lad," said Bloomer. "Really, this is all most unbelievable."
Suddenly, before the workmen could proceed further, there came a steady chorus of fast footsteps and rousing voices all throughout the yards. Bloomer, Sandy and the Hatts looked and saw a whole crowd of people sweeping into the yards, and within seconds, they were crowding around the old shed to see what had been unveiled. The Fat Controller didn't have to guess. The word had already spread, and now the whole area was abuzz with the newly discovered Bloomer.
"Great Scott!" exclaimed a voice. "It's the LNWR Bloomer class itself! HOW?"
"It can't be! They were all scrapped decades ago!" exclaimed another one.
"Not so, it would seem!" said a third. "You're an inspiration to railways everywhere, Sir Topham!"
"A miracle, this is! A blooming 'Bloomer,' miracle!" said a fourth.
Bloomer didn't know what to say or think in these given moments. Neither did Sandy or the Hatts. In the next moment, the people came crowding closer and closer, several of whom drew cameras and started taking photographs. Almost that quickly, Bloomer felt just a little overwhelmed being surrounded by so many people and having his photo taken for the first time in decades. There were so many clicks and flashes from the cameras that Bloomer didn't know where to look.
"Now, everybody, please settle down," the Fat Controller called over the excited chatter. "We have to get this Bloomer loaded onto his flatbed. He is to be taken to Sodor for a proper restoration and return to railway service."
To this, the whole crowd cheered and applauded for a few moments, then all stepped aside to let the workmen resume their part with the Breakdown Train. Bloomer watched intently as the crane lowered its arm down toward him. Then the workmen started anchoring Bloomer with chains which were then hooked to the crane. Bloomer held his breath for a moment, then the crane started to lift him right up off the rails. As he swayed ever-so slightly going up, Bloomer's heart really jumped unlike he could recall before.
"Whoa…! What…I…I feel terribly strange," he said unevenly. "I'm in the air! Well I never! Whoa! Sir…!"
"It's alright, Bloomer," said the Fat Controller. "You're perfectly secured right now, and so you will be for your journey to Carlisle, then eventually Sodor."
Bloomer swayed just a little more through the air while he tried his best to remain calm. Then the crane lowered him straight down to the flatbed where the workmen secured him down again, all set for his journey. Now, he felt a little safer, and he felt quite intrigued to be up higher than usual, getting a wider view around him as the crowd of people then clamoured closer again and resumed taking photographs, to which again, Bloomer didn't always know where to look. After a few moments, the Fat Controller spoke again.
"Alright, everybody. Now, I won't want Bloomer worn out the very moment he's come out of his shed again. He's got a big day tomorrow back to Sodor, and Lady Hatt and I still have a holiday to enjoy once Bloomer is all set."
The crowd was a little disappointed, but still happy to have gotten their glimpse at such a unique and truly rare class of engine to have been rediscovered under the least likely circumstances, yet here he was.
However, in the midst of all this excitement, unbeknownst to the Hatts, Sandy, Bloomer and the whole crowd, trouble was lurking and waiting in one of the sidings several yards off. In that siding were two Class 08 diesel-electric shunters collecting some trucks for scrap. They had seen and heard some of the bustling excitement and kept their eyes locked with surprise and envy on the newfound Bloomer Engine. Slightly scratched up and spotted oil stains on both diesels, were their nameplates. Splatter on one, and on the other, Dodge.
For many long years, both these diesels had worked at a Smelters Yard further inland along the Wigtownshire Railway, and put bluntly, they were not the sharpest engines to have come out of their workshop. On the contrary, they were both quite pathetically dimwitted even by dimwitted standards, which in turn had not earned them a good reputation at all over the years. Often mixing up their loads, bringing the wrong loads to the wrong stations, winding up early and late among so many other silly mistakes, their reputation had been consistently unimpressive and not very helpful at all, and it made them both rather vain and short-minded over the years. But when these two fellows saw what had just been unveiled, there came a most slimy scheme setting into both their motors.
"Say, Dodge," Splatter sad quietly. "You see what I see?"
"What? The scrap trucks we're meant to be taking?" Dodge asked.
"Uhh! No, stupid! Just outside that old broken down shed!"
"Ohh…you mean the…the Bloomer?" said Dodge. "Oh, yeah…"
"That's right," said Splatter. "Last I recall, Bloomers were thought all this time to be completely extinct, down to the very last wheel…but not so now, so it looks."
"Uhh…yeah, right," said Dodge.
"But you see, Dodge…I think this just what you and I need…to finally be really useful," said Splatter.
"Umm…just what do you mean?" asked Dodge.
"What I mean is…well, look at him," said Splatter. That ancient puffball must be worth more than a shiny penny. Awful temptation…and a clear miscalculation in Bloomers being fully extinct…as it was meant to be all that time ago."
"Uhh…Yeah. So?" said Dodge.
"Pah! SO," Splatter emphasized. "If we was any kind of decent…we'd remove the extinct class altogether...and so it shall remain extinct, just as history ought to have shown that to be true all those years ago. Perhaps then you and I will have finally done something worthwhile for our most despicable record."
"Ooh, I like that," said Dodge. "Neither of us made it into our owners good books lately…but then if we capture that blighter and scrap him…"
"An engine class long believed to have been extinct," Splatter cut in. "Then his scrapping would make an absolute killing for our manager, and no one would ever remember we ever screwed up before!"
Both diesels snickered quietly to each other and slipped away to keep out of sight until cover of darkness, starting to plot their plan in secret until they found the time to be right…
By this time, the sun was starting to go down, and the crowd of people slowly wound down and left the yards. Bloomer was glad that the fuss was over for now. He could now rest his mind and enjoy himself until the next step. The Fat Controller and Lady Hatt saw the day was closing and thought it best to return to the Portpatrick Hotel.
"Well, Bloomer, you're all set for your trip to Carlisle," said the Fat Controller. "The diesel will come along and escort you there, and tomorrow, you'll be on your way to Sodor. In the meantime, Lady Hatt and I must return to our suite."
"Well, I am most thankful and glad to have met you, Sir Topham Hatt," Bloomer smiled. "And thank you for…discovering me again."
"He-he-heh. I am very glad to have found you too, Bloomer," the Fat Controller waved as he and Lady Hatt went on their way.
"Well, I suppose I'd best call it a day too, Bloomer," said Sandy. "Sleep well, and happy travels."
"Why thank you, Sandy. Most obliged to meet you too," said Bloomer.
With that, Sandy hurried off to find a siding to rest in for the night.
Later that evening, the Fat Controller and Lady Hatt were sitting on the balcony of their suite, watching the sun set over the sea for a fair period of time, until it eventually disappeared over the horizon and the sky began to darken. By now, the Hatts were starting to really sink into the holiday spirit now that Bloomer's arrangements had been made. It had indeed been a most unexpected and truly astounding first day for this holiday, and neither of them would have ever thought this discovery would have been made until now.
"Well, Jane," the Fat Controller said at last. "I never thought I would set eyes on that very engine class. This truly is a glorious day."
"Come to think of it, I have to agree, Bertram," said Lady Hatt. "I truly cannot believe we found the very last one of that engine class, thought for all this time to have disappeared, yet here Bloomer is now."
"I can only wonder how happy he'll be to be restored and back to being really useful again," said the Fat Controller.
"All in good time, Bertram," said Lady Hatt. "In the meantime, though, with Bloomer all set to be on his way, I would very much like us both to focus the rest of our holiday directly between the two of us."
The Fat Controller gave a little glance to his wife and nodded with a playful grin.
"Of course we shall, my dear," he winked.
Lady Hatt playfully smiled back, and soon afterwards, they both went inside, changed into their nightwear and were soon in bed together and nodded off to sleep. But before they could truly settle in for their holiday for sure, this very night would end up showing some bad trouble from two certain figures on the rails, and for Bloomer, this would entail a brief period of great peril, and a rather bad first impression of diesels for him as well.
Hour after hour, night fell steadily through the sky, and the stars were soon glimmering overhead. All of Portpatrick Harbour and Wigtownshire were fast asleep under the stars with the waves rolling in and out of the shoreline moment by moment.
Meanwhile, in the Wigtownshire goods yards, all had fallen silent. Sandy was sound asleep in her siding again, and Bloomer was sound asleep on his flatbed, perfectly still and peaceful as he awaited his transport to Carlisle Station by the diesel set to come along soon. But further within the yards, trouble was slowly lurking forward in the shadows. Just some distance from Bloomer and his aging shed were Splatter and Dodge, creeping as quietly and secretly as they possibly could, hiding behind a line of trucks in another siding. They could see Bloomer on his flatbed and grinned deviously to themselves.
"There he is, Dodge," Splatter whispered ever-so quietly. "Just look at him. The rarest puffball on any rails there ever could be."
"Yeah…and they were all supposed to be 'eggs stink'," said Dodge, clearly misspeaking on what he was supposed to say.
"Wha…it's EXTINCT, you numpty!" Splatter whispered irritably.
"Alright, alright," Dodge whispered back, a little loudly. "And just think, after he's gone, we'll be the talk of the town after too many bloody stinking years!"
"Quiet, you dimwit!" Splatter hissed. "You wanna raise the alarm before we get him?!"
Dodge didn't answer and looked away with a frown. Then both diesels resumed their slow pace toward Bloomer and grinned again as they drew in closer.
"Ahh. Nobody else around but that ancient puffball," Splatter whispered. "We'll just leave him up to the Smelters. They can handle him real diplomatically."
Both diesels glanced at Bloomer, who didn't move at all in his sleep. Splatter and Dodge then saw their chance and made their move. Dodge very slowly buffered up from behind Bloomer, then Splatter rolled on ahead to switch to Bloomer's line. There was no one else around in the yards, so far as the diesels could see. Splatter then backed up and buffered up in front of Bloomer. Now he was sandwiched between both diesels. Splatter and Dodge took one more look around, then with a gleeful snicker, they set off and started their getaway. Unfortunately for both diesels, their overflowing glee with their plan's success quickly got the better of them and they began chortling a little louder.
"He-he-he! We got him, we got him, we got him!" they jittered together.
And then, completely without thinking, both diesels gave off a loud belch of exhaust, making far more noise than intended. Both diesels suddenly gasped to what they had just done, and in their shock, neither of them noticed Sandy in the yards, as she too was woken up and suddenly gasped when she saw what was happening.
"Ohh! Bloomer!" she whispered frightfully.
"Huh?! Uh-oh!" Splatter worried as he looked to Dodge. "Why'd you do that?"
"No! Why'd YOU do THAT?!" Dodge spat back.
This, of course, stirred Bloomer, who groaned as his eyes flickered open, then when he saw he was moving, he woke up with a start and saw a most peculiar figure pulling him along. He looked back and saw another one pushing from behind. Both diesels smiled even bigger as they continued to whisk him away. Of course, these were the first diesels Bloomer had ever seen, and he wondered if this was his scheduled trip to Carlisle.
"Uhh…hello. Excuse me, but…are you two…diesels?" he asked.
Splatter and Dodge both pretended to look confused and perplexed.
"Huh? Huh?!" they both exclaimed. "Why, yes we are!"
"Oh, you are?" said Bloomer. "I see. Well, I assume then that you're both taking me to Carlisle Station, then I'm off to Sodor in the morning? Strange. Sir Topham Hatt said only one diesel was meant to pick me up."
"Carlisle? To CARLISLE?!" Splatter blurted out. "Why, what silly rubbish! We diesels don't go THERE! But YOU, you ancient puffball, were long thought to be extinct!"
"And so, to make doubly sure of that very fact," Dodge added. "You are now off to the Smelters Yards!"
"To be melted down and scrapped, of course!" Splatter added. "Isn't that right, Dodge?"
In that instant, Bloomer's heart suddenly pounded like it never did before in his more than seventy-year life, and his wheels began quaking very badly underneath him. Within moments, he felt as though his head were swaying out of control, and his first impression of diesels couldn't be more grossly damaging, and he suddenly flew into utter panic and fright.
"No! No, you can't! HELP! SOMEONE HELP ME!" Bloomer wailed into the night.
To this, Splatter and Dodge took off even faster, tearing out of the yards in seconds, but from her siding, Sandy had seen everything and recognized both diesels. Her first instinct was to race into action, but she couldn't give chase without a driver, and even if she could dart off, she wouldn't be able to catch the diesels due to the line being only single track. All she could do with what had just happened was make a lot of noise, and so she took a deep breath.
"HELP! HELP! Intruders!" she yelled. "Bloomer's been swiped by Splatter and Dodge! Somebody help! HELP! HELP HIM!"
Meanwhile, Splatter and Dodge continued to whisk Bloomer along the way, hurrying up along the line while the LNWR engine darted his eyes left, right, up and down as he continued to protest.
"Let me off here! Let me go! You can't do this!" he shouted. "Help! Help!"
"Will you listen to that, Dodge?" Splatter snickered. "This puffball thinks his wails for help are going to stop us!"
"Pitiful, isn't it?" Dodge snickered back. "He'd never make our manager's good books anyway. Just pathetic!"
"You can't do this! You two will wind up in deep trouble!" Bloomer shouted. "Sir Topham Hatt will find out what you've done, and it'll be the Scrap Yard for you too, I'll be bound!"
Splatter and Dodge just laughed as they scurried further down the line with their captive. But both these diesels' own stupidity knew no boundaries and would only cement their failure in a little short period of time. Being so caught up in their "success," of their plan to scrap Bloomer, neither one of them had thought to refill on fuel before executing their plan.
Over the next half hour, Splatter and Dodge kept hurrying along with Bloomer's flatbed wedged between them. Bloomer continued to call out as loud as he could for help, but no one seemed to be coming yet. The diesels just chuckled vainly as they carried on down the line, all too focused on the good record they imagined themselves receiving for a ravenous deed such as this. Then suddenly, both diesels felt themselves going slower and slower. Splatter then began to pant, as did Dodge. Bloomer noticed this and looked a little closer.
"What the…what's happening?" Splatter exclaimed.
"Come on! We're faster than this! Faster!" Dodge exclaimed. "Get this puffball to the Smelters! Faster!"
But it was no use. Try as they might, both diesels continued to slow down moment by moment, until suddenly, they both came to a stop with a jolt. Bloomer shook a little on his flatbed and wondered what could have happened. Both diesels tried with all their might to move, but neither of them budged another inch.
"Oh! Ohh…! I-I can't move another foot!" Splatter exclaimed.
"Well, what happened?! Why aren't we moving, you dummy?!" Dodge barked.
Then it suddenly came to Splatter and he formed a most gobsmacked expression to himself and Dodge.
"Grease and Oil! We're dry on petrol! That's what!" he exclaimed.
And they were. Splatter and Dodge's fuel tanks had both run empty and they were now stranded out on the line. The Smelters Yards were nowhere for miles, and both diesels had not one drop of fuel left. Bloomer took notice of the situation, having heard the term "petrol," before in regard to coal and water, and hearing this from both diesels was enough for him to know this slimy scheme had ultimately failed.
"Well, you filthy little wake washers!" Bloomer sniffed. "Now what are you going to tell your manager? Trying to do away with me! And I thought dirty players on the rails could sink no lower! You certainly taught me well, though. Diesels are all up to no good at all!"
Splatter and Dodge just glared and huffed indignantly. But then, out in the distance, all the engines suddenly came a strange growling sound, coming down from the other track. Bloomer's wheels suddenly quaked even harder beneath him, and Splatter and Dodge suddenly yelped with fright as the growling slowly came closer.
"Ahh! Ohh! Dodge!" Splatter jumped. "Did you hear that? It must be a bear!"
"Huh?! Who?! What-what?!" Dodge quivered. "A bear? Where? Here? There?!"
"Bears? Out here?" Bloomer gasped.
As the three engines quivered and gaped with fright, the growling came nearer and nearer. Both diesel's squeezed their eyes tightly shut while Bloomer's eyes grew wider as to what would come next. Then suddenly, there came the light of an engine's headlamp beaming in the distance…which was just where the growling was coming from. Then the figure came into view, and it so happened that the "bear," was actually an engine. A BR Class 35 "Hymek," diesel painted in BR Rail Blue with yellow window surroundings, whose engine kept making unusual growling noises. He drew closer to the three engines, and Bloomer saw the diesel had the number 7101 painted along his side. 7101 looked to the flatbed noticed right away who was riding it. Bloomer looked at 7101 with indecision and worry, seeing all too well this was a diesel too. After a moment, 7101 turned a very cross eye to Splatter and Dodge.
"Here, you two!" he shouted. "What, by thunder, you are two doing with MY important engine?! I was supposed to collect him for transportation to Carlisle, by order of Sir Topham Hatt!"
Bloomer took note of 7101's approach and suddenly spoke up.
"Oh! YOU'RE the one who was supposed to take me?" he asked.
"Why, of course, Bloomer," said 7101. "I was just on my way to pick you up right now. But how did all this happen? What have these two fools done with you?"
"Well, these two just came along and started whisking me away while I was asleep," said Bloomer. "I thought perhaps they were the ones bringing me to Carlisle, but then they said they were bringing me to the Smelters to be scrapped and melted down!"
"Yeah, that's right!" Dodge blurted out, rather unintelligently. "Perhaps it would have finally given Splatter and myself proper credit after so, so long that we've both been looked down upon!"
"Yeah, what with this useless puffball being practically extinct for all this time!" Splatter added vainly. "Or so everyone thought!"
7101 heard everything and was utterly aghast by Splatter and Dodge's idiotic plan to scrap an engine who was long thought to be extinct, all for the hopes of restoring their reputation. He too knew the foolhardy nature of both these diesels, but even by their standards, this was a whole new level of embarrassment and disgrace never to be recovered from.
"Well, I NEVER! How DARE you call yourselves diesels!" 7101 shouted to them both. "Any diesel that pushes the thought that steam engines from bygone ages must be done away with, should NOT be allowed to work on ANY railway whatsoever! Splatter and Dodge, you are a pure and utter permanent disgrace to diesels everywhere! Now, Bloomer. Allow me to get you back to the yards, and we'll see to it that these two are put to proper rights!"
Bloomer was highly surprised to see 7101, a fellow diesel calling out his own, but was most grateful just the same to be saved. Before long, 7101 proceeded to shunt Bloomer and the two failed diesels all the way back to the yards. All Bloomer could do was take a deep breath and sigh most heavily, most relieved that his life had been saved from a most terrible fate.
Eventually, 7101 returned to the goods yards, and Bloomer could see just who had been roused by his frightful experience. Right near his old shed, he saw Sandy, her owner, Splatter and Dodge's owner, the Fat Controller and Lady Hatt all waiting together, having heard Sandy's cries for help, and the word that had spread afterwards. Both Hatts looked most irritated to have been roused from their first night of holiday, but were also relieved to see Bloomer all in one piece.
"Ohh! Bloomer! Thank the stars you're safe!" Sandy cried out. "My owner came running, and when I told him what happened, he called for Sir Topham and these diesels' owner right away!"
7101 and Bloomer then told them all about the purely twisted intent these two diesels had in mind. The Fat Controller and the diesels' owner listened very closely, and once everything had been told, both men turned to the two pathetic diesels, who both bore most timid, cowardly faces by now.
"Absolute SCANDALOUS outrage and UTTER APPALL!" the Fat Controller boomed. "That was a deliberate attempt on this LNWR Bloomer's life! The very last one in the WHOLE world! Confusion and Delay all over, and purely DISGUSTING display from both of you! AND on my very first night on holiday with my wife!"
The diesels' owner then stepped forth and pointed a finger right at them.
"You stupid, idiotic, simple-minded, empty-headed KNAVES!" he shouted. "Your actions utterly abash me! Your twisted, crooked acts tonight display the unreasonable mind of a beast! Trying to dispose of this most special, unique, historical and iconic class of steam engine all to save your most PITIFUL record?! Beyond heinous and embarrassing on every level! 7101, transfer these pestilent, traitorous codpieces back to their shed and lock them up! It's perfectly clear I need to put in some serious reconsideration of my ownership of them both!"
"Yes, sir. With pleasure," 7101 answered.
With that, he harshly biffed onto Splatter, then Dodge and took them both away to their shed. Both engines' spirits were now in shambles and they could only whimper most pathetically in defeat. Once both diesels were placed inside their shed, 7101's driver slammed the doors shut and fastened the lock with a chain, and there both diesels would stay to await their fate. Soon, 7101 came back and gave a nod to the Fat Controller, to which he nodded back, then looked to his rare discovery.
"Now, Bloomer. Are you alright?" he asked.
"I am now, sir," Bloomer sighed deeply. "I cannot ever recall a more frightening experience than the likes of that...but when they ran out of fuel, I knew I was safe enough, until I was brought back here, of course."
The Fat Controller smiled and turned to the other diesel.
"I cannot thank you enough for saving Bloomer, 7101," he said. "You have truly done us both a forever valiant service."
"Not at all, sir," said 7101. "I ought to have known those two dimwits would never prove to be of any good use wherever they go. They can't sink any lower than what they attempted tonight. Rest assured, Bloomer shall sleep safely tonight, and so he shall live safely with all your engines on the Island of Sodor. To that effect, as originally arranged, I'll have him on his way at once."
"Excellent," the Fat Controller smiled.
It was then that Sandy realized Bloomer would be going now, and that she probably wouldn't see him again. She suddenly looked rather sad and low spirited as she slowly came closer. Bloomer looked down and suddenly felt a little sorry too.
"Well, Bloomer…I suppose this is it," Sandy lamented. "I've seen you return to the railway's eyes…but now, you'll be going. I really wish you every joy and belonging with Sir Topham Hatt's engines…goodbye."
Bloomer swallowed and smiled sadly to Sandy, but in that same moment, the Fat Controller stepped between them both, having thought s something himself in regard to the recent events.
"Wait right there, now, Sandy. There's no point in feeling sad or disappointed," he said. "After all, although you couldn't go anywhere, you did what you could to raise the alarm and you helped save Bloomer as well, and you deserve a most fitting reward. To that effect, I can see you haven't had much work to do around here in some time, but now, I think we can change that. How would you like to be brought along with us back to Sodor and work on my Railway from now on?"
Sandy suddenly gasped and popped her eyes as she looked right at him.
"What?! Me? Come with you, sir? Really?!"
"Of course, Sandy," said the Fat Controller. "My railway could do with another track-inspection car."
Bloomer was most pleased to hear this, and Sandy was surprised, flattered and most delighted as she gave a happy squeak.
"Oh! Ohh! Whee! Thank you-thank you- THANK YOU!"
"Well, I think that's a prudent and well-fitting motion, Sir Topham," said her owner. "I do believe she'll be much happier on your railway."
"Well, darling. Looks like we'll be sticking together for a while yet, won't we?" Bloomer smiled.
"I wouldn't want it any other way, Bloomer!" Sandy beamed happily.
So it was decided. Sandy was soon lifted onto another flatbed, which was then coupled to Bloomer's flatbed, then 7101 coupled to them both and was ready to make off for Carlisle Station. The Fat Controller and Lady Hatt called their goodbyes to 7101, Sandy and Bloomer as they all set off into the night. Once they were out of sight, the Fat Controller turned to his wife. She looked at him and saw him wink with a smile.
"The holiday starts now," was all he said.
Lady Hatt just smiled in turn and kissed his cheek, and with that, the Hatts walked hand in hand back to the Portpatrick Hotel under the stars. Before long, they were huddled in bed again, and soon they were both sound asleep. With each passing moment, they felt more and more content and most delighted. Now for the rest of these two weeks, they would truly soak in the rest of their holiday in uninterrupted peace, comfort, luxury and relaxation until they would both be coming back home themselves.
Out on the line, 7101 escorted Bloomer and Sandy through the night under the stars, with his engine still growling away as it always did. Bloomer was still a little shellshocked by what had almost happened to him and how it happened as he looked at the fellow diesel transporting him right now. Given what he had seen and heard from this diesel, he felt most grateful, but still a trifle unsure, given his bad first impression. He then spoke out loud, trying to speak over the very noisy growling coming from the diesel's motor.
"I must say, 7101, I really cannot thank you enough for stopping those fiends. Although…if you'll excuse me, I'm still not fully sure to think of you, no thanks to those wake washers giving me such a terrible first impression of diesels. Trying to do away with my extinct class altogether, indeed!"
Despite the extremely noisy and obstreperous growling, which he was admittedly embarrassed about, 7101 understood how Bloomer felt.
"I don't blame you whatsoever, Bloomer, and I can't apologize enough for how it started out," he said. "First impressions often determine the long term impression, and those two fools could not have shown a more tasteless and senseless approach to an engine such as you. But I assure you, not all diesels are like that, and your experience on Sodor will be much better than what happened tonight."
"Hmm. Well, I suppose Sandy and I shall see, won't we?" said Bloomer.
"Yes, Bloomer. We shall," said Sandy. "I must say, 7101, you were most helpful in scaring those two fools, what with your growling. It's actually quite amusing, the more I think of it, them thinking you were actually a bear!"
Even to this, the diesel had to laugh. "He-he-he. Goodness. Just call me 'Bear,' little lady."
Sandy giggled in turn, and even Bloomer couldn't help but begin to like this diesel. Before long, they were all talking like good friends and so it lasted for the whole trip. Hour after hour, Bear escorted Sandy and Bloomer on their way across the line, talking and socializing together with such good spirit.
At long last, after a long, starlit journey, they arrived at Carlisle Station in the very early hours of the morning. Bloomer and Sandy were now stationed at the right place, and from here, they would be on their way to Sodor the very next day.
"Well, here we are, Sandy," said Bloomer. "Tomorrow, you and I start a brand new chapter, and a brand new life."
"Oh, Bloomer. It's so exciting," Sandy smiled. "Think of all the engines we'll be working with and making friends with."
"Oh, yes, sweetheart," said Bloomer. "Just thinking about it right now is wearing me out. Right now, we'd all best do with a good sleep."
"Oh, yes, I agree, Bloomer," said Sandy.
"I'll stay right with you both until morning," said Bear. "You both deserve the company."
"Well, thank you again for saving me, Bear," said Bloomer. "I really am in your debt for that. I shall sleep well tonight."
"As will I," said Sandy. "And I can't wait to see everything on Sodor, and all the engines we'll be meeting…"
Bloomer chuckled once more as he, Sandy and Bear all settled where they were and soon fell asleep happily and in most promising spirit. By now it was just a matter of time before Sodor would have its very own Bloomer.
Yes, as well as Splatter and Dodge, we also have Bear making his debut before the eventual "Super Rescue" adaptation, and yes, before anyone asks, Spamcan will be in the next chapter as well, and also, yes, I do plan to have Thomas meet Bear and Spamcan in the "Thomas and the Royal Engine" adaptation. Compared to their original portrayal, the only difference with these versions of Splatter and Dodge is that they are willing to kill another engine without any hesitation, effectively getting rid of their most "redeeming" quality. Consider this chapter proof that these versions of Splatter and Dodge have nothing to do with Diesel 10 and will have no involvement in the eventual origin story I have planned for Diesel 10 way later down the line; the fact that I even decided to use Splatter and Dodge at all in any capacity is the most ridiculous miracle to begin with, and frankly I imagine this is the only time they'll show up in any significant fashion. Next chapter will be the finale, focusing on Bloomer's arrival on Sodor and him meeting some of the other engines. Until then, tell us what you thought of this chapter, and as always, stay safe.