Chapter 140: All At Sea

Duck and Oliver love working on their Branchline. Their favorite location is Arlesburgh Harbor. Day in and day out, ships of all sizes come in and bring passengers and cargo from all over the world. They're kept busy day and night, but they don't mind. It makes them feel really useful.

One day, Duck and Oliver reached the harbor to find the marina fuller than ever. Stretching to the horizon was an army of boats, sails flapping in the wind. Douglas was there as well.

"Morning Douglas."

"Morning Duck, Morning Oliver. A beautiful sight, isn't it? Some of these men have been to all corners of the world."

Duck sighed enviously.

"I always have wanted to sail beyond the horizon, see what's out there. I always said if working on the railway didn't work out, Id grow a pair of sea legs and become a sailor."

Oliver snorted at this.

"Pah. Just remember where you belong, Duck. Besides, I've been on a boat before and its not fun. All the rocking of the waves is enough to make anyone seasick."

"Oh, don't be such a downer, yon Oliver. Din aye listen to him, Duck. There's nothing wrong with wanting to see the world."

Just then a loud buzzing sound was heard as a helicopter landed on a floating helipad. Harold stepped out.

"Morning, gentleman. Are you here for the regatta? Its supposed to be a big event, with races and all sorts of competitions. I've on duty making sure everyone is safe and secure."

"Do you go to the horizon?" Asked Duck.

"I do, and beyond that sometimes. If necessary, I can even land on ships. Sorry I can't stay to chat, but I need to finish my patrol."

And with a mighty whir, Harold took off into the air, kicking up dust as his helicopter rose. Duck sighed as he watched the boats.

"I wish I could go to the horizon too."

"Aye, but our work keeps us busy as is. Dinnae worry, Duck. Maybe one day you'll get your chance. But for now, we all have work to do, so let's get too it."

But no matter how hard he tried, Duck's mind continued to wonder back to his dream. He talked endlessly about it all day, leaving his friends very annoyed. At last, Oliver lost patience.

"I don't care what you say, Duck, I prefer to be on dry land. The rails take me to all the place I could ever want to go."

Before Duck could retort, a loud siren blared. The harbor master came up.

"One of the sailors has broken his arm and needs to go to the hospital. Harold needs to stay here, so Duck, you need to get him to Bertie the Bus. He'll take it from there."

"Sir, yes sir!"

Harold dropped in, the injured man slowly helped out and onto Duck's engine.

"Good speed, Duck! I wish I could help, but I'm needed here. Take care!"

"Don't worry, Harold. I'll go as fast as my engine allows."

As soon as the man was seated comfortably, Duck sped off, his engine flying down the rails. All signal boxes were told to give him a clear path, allowing Duck to make excellent time. Duck might have enjoyed going this fast if it weren't for the circumstances. At last, they reached the level crossing where Bertie waited for them.

"Way to go, Duck! Your engine looked splendid flying along the line. You did the Great Western Railway proud."

Duck beamed proudly. He watched the man board Bertie's bus safely and drive off before returning to the harbor, his engine's wheels firmly on the ground.

That night, the three of them watched the regatta wrap up when they heard a helicopter hover over head. Just then, something dropped from the sky into Duck's arms.

"What is it?"

Duck unfolded the paper to find a letter from the injured sailor.

Dear Duck,

Thank you for helping me today. The doctor said my arm will need to be in a cast for a month, but it could've been much worse if not for you. As a thank you, please accept this flag as a token of my appreciation. I know you wanted to go sailing, but at least you'll have something to remember the day by.

Sincerely,

First Mate Shawn Kipper.

This made Duck's day.

"This man knows just what an engine driver needs."

Duck still longs to go sailing and see what's beyond the horizon, but he also knows that his place is on the railway. But every night, when he goes to bed, his mind takes him to far away places and exotic people. After all, sometimes the best journeys are the ones we can only dream about. Don't you agree?