A/N: Man has the time gone bye! It's hard to believe that by Friday I will have completed the season! Anyway, I hope you guys like it!

Disclaimer: I don't own any of this.

Chapter 27: Paint Pots and Queens

A few days later, Sir Topham Hatt gathered all of his employees at the sheds to make a big announcement.

"It is my great pleasure," he began, "to announce that her majesty, Queen Elizabeth the II, has decided to grace our railway with a visit in a month's time. I want you all to be on your best behavior. We want to make a good impression on her, after all."

The crowd erupted into cheers, only to be hushed by Sir Topham Hatt.

"There is much to do before she arrives," he continued, "and we all must work hard to get things ready. No fooling around," he said, shooting Gordon and Thomas a look before departing.

"I wonder who will get to take the royal train," thought Percy.

"It won't be me," said Edward sadly, "My engine is to worn out, and probably couldn't handle pulling the queen and her guests."

"I'm in disgrace," said Gordon sadly.

"He'll obviously choose me," said James, "My engine is the most splendid one."

"You!" snorted Henry. "Your engine can't climb hills! I'm the obvious choice."

Eventually Sir Topham Hatt did choose Henry. The preparations went smoothly, until the day of the queen's arrival. It was raining so hard Henry had to cover the engine's cab with a tarp to stay dry. A painter was overhead finishing a mural on the glass roof. Henry, having forgotten that the painter was overhead, made the engine let off steam. This caught the painter off guard, causing him to fall off the ladder. He was unhurt, as he landed safely on the tarp. But his paint pot fell on to the engine. The hot boiler made the paint run, ruining the engine's paint. The painter was furious.

"Look what you've done!" he exclaimed. "You could've gotten me killed, you fool! And now I have to get more paint." With that he stormed off. Sir Topham Hatt soon came out to see what all of the commotion was about.

"I'm sorry, Henry," he said, "But I'm afraid we don't have enough time to clean your engine. We need to get the train ready, and I don't think the queen would like to have her train pulled by an iced bun. I'll have to find somebody else." Henry just sighed.

A short while later he was in his office doing paperwork when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," he called, and Thomas and Gordon entered the room.

"How may I help you two?"

"Please sir," Thomas began, "May Gordon drive passenger trains again?"

"And may Thomas have his branch line back, sir?"

Sir Topham Hatt thought it over for a minute.

"You both have been working hard over the past month," he said after a minute, "I believe you both deserve a treat. Thomas, you shall arrange the special train, and Gordon you shall take it."

Both drivers beamed happily.

Later that evening it was time for the train to arrive. Edward made sure the line was clear, so he arrived first. A few minutes later, Gordon, his engine, and the royal coaches pulled into Knapford Station. The queen stepped out of her coach to a round of cheers and applause from everyone gathered. Sir Topham Hatt was the first to greet her.

"Welcome, your majesty," he said, struggling to find words. Everyone had a great time at the party, but soon it was time for her to return to the mainland. Before she left, she thanked Edward, Thomas, and Gordon for making her trip possible, before addressing the other employees.

"I have heard many great things about this railway," she began, "And I am proud to say that everything I have heard is true. You all should be very pleased with yourselves!" And with that she climbed into her coach, and Gordon set off. They all waved until the train was out of sight.

Later that night, as Thomas prepared to head back to his branchline, Gordon approached him.

"Good job today, Thomas," he told him.

"Please, I only brought the coaches. You were the real star, besides the queen of course."

They both chuckled, before Gordon offered a handshake.

"Friends?" he asked. Thomas smiled, and accepted.

"Friends," he said, before getting into the cab and heading for home.