Chapter 151: A Better View for Gordon

One morning Gordon was more grumpy than usual. He had been woken up early that morning and was in no mood to wait around.

"Where's that firelighter? I need to start work now!"

His housemates were none too pleased to hear his moaning."

"Give it a rest, Gordon," said Henry, "He's not due for 20 minutes, we have time."

Gordon just huffed indignantly. James finally lost his patience.

"Gordon, why must you complain about everything?"

"Because I'm a very important person who is right about everything. I shall complain as I see fit. You are just a little prat who has ideas above his station."

James spluttered in fury, but Percy was puzzled.

"I don't see any."

"See any what."

"Ideas above James's station. The sky is empty."

"Just like your brain, little Percy."

With that Gordon stormed away, leaving James and Percy speechless.

Later that morning, Gordon was in Knapford yard when Sir Topham Hatt came up to him.

"Gordon, I need you to take an empty nonstop express to the new Kirk Ronan station. Henry can take the morning express."

"But sir, can't someone else take it? I'm-"

"No Gordon, I have chosen you and you will take it."

So he did, complaining all the way. The run went well at first, but Gordon couldn't help but notice that the engine had trouble building up steam.

"There must be a blockage in the pipes. Great, just what I need today."

It wasn't long before they reached Kirk Ronan. Even Gordon had to admit that the new station was impressive in size, with painters and carpenters running about putting the finishing touches on the station. But one thing didn't impress Gordon: a large, blank wall at the back of the station behind the sniffed at the dull scene.

"What a boring scene. A grand person like me deserves a big panoramic view so I can see people and people can see me."

Just then his guard blew his whistle and waved a green flag.

"Oh good, its time to go. I can make up for lost time as long as the pipes hold."

But they didn't. Not long after they left, the engine began to lose steam at a rapid place. The train started to go slower and slower until it crawled to a stop just outside of Kellstrophe Road.

"Oh, bother!"

Henry took the coaches home, and James gave Gordon a lift to the works, laughing all the way.

"Well, well, well. Not so important now, are we?"

Gordon just seethed in silence. A few weeks later, the engine is fixed and back in service. One afternoon, Sir Topham Hatt came to see him in the yards.

"Come along, Gordon. Kirk Ronan is opening tonight, and I'd like you to take me."

Gordon was delighted and they were soon underway. The ride went smoothly, and they were making good time. Before long Kirk Ronan came into view, and Gordon applied the brakes…

Only for the train to keep going at full speed, the controls being unresponsive. Panicked, Gordon tried once more, only for the same results.

"Gordon, shouldn't we be slowing down? We're approaching too fast."

"I can't! Something's gone wrong!"

The train flew into the station, guests and workmen jumping clear of the platform in fear.

"Gordon, what should we do?!"

"Jump!"

They jumped clear just in time.

BANG!

A thunderous crash echoed through the station. The engine smashed through the backwall smokebox first, its chasis falling off as it hung high above the ground. Sir Topham Hatt picked himself off the floor, searching for his employee. He found him lying on the opposite platform, clutching his arm.

"Gordon, are you alright?"

"No. I think…I think I broke my arm."

"Hold still, I'll call for help!"

Paramedics arrived quickly and hauled Gordon off into an ambulance. His arm was in a cast for three months, leaving the others to do his work while he recovered. It wasn't long before Gordon was back at work, bringing special guests to the second grand opening. When he arrived, he was surprised to find that the hole in the wall from his crash had remained untouched. Sir Topham was waiting for him.

"Your panoramic view shall remain here to stay, for both you and passengers to enjoy. But do promise me that you'll enjoy it from a safe distance on the platform."

Gordon happily agreed