Chapter 244: Escape From Misty Island Part 3

Later that night, Sir Topham Hatt came to see Thomas, mumbling to himself.

"Those smelter twins, always causing trouble! Now I have to order more, and it'll take a month to get here! Why I bother to keep them employed, I'll never know..."

By the time he had reached the sheds, his mood had improved as he beamed proudly.

"Well done, Thomas! A splendid rescue."

The other engine drivers clapped, making Thomas blush.

"Ah shucks, it was nothing."

"Unfortunately, Arry and Bert's stunt has put construction very far behind. That was the last load of Jobi Wood, and the company has to wait for more to grow, which will take some time. I've already punished them, but this is most unpleasant..."

He shook his head, not wanting to get off topic.

"Nonetheless, you deserve an award for your heroism, and I have just the ticket. There's a rail show in the USA I've been invited too, but I'm far too busy. But they insist on having a representative from our famous railway, and I could think of no one better than you. That is, of course, if you want to go."

Thomas grinned with excitement.

"I'd be honored to, sir! When do I leave?"

"Tuesday on The S.S. Sodor. I'll let the people in charge know."

Next Tuesday, the Ffarquhar crew went to Brendam Docks to see Thomas off.

"All the way to Pennsylvania! Are you excited, Thomas?

"I sure am, Percy! I've always wanted to go."

"Well, you certainly deserve it after that brave rescue."

"Well, I still say it should be me going, and not silly old Thomas!"

Everyone else just rolled their eyes at her. They were well used to Daisy's fits of jealousy by now. Emily was the last to step up, a hand on her growing stomach.

"I just hope you'll be back soon, dear. Our baby will be here any day now, I can just feel it!"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, love. Don't worry, I'll be back in a fortnight, plenty of time."

Just then, the S.S. Sodor's hooter sounded sharply, signaling that it was time to board. Thomas gave his family a big group hug goodbye before walking up the gang plank, his friends waving until the ship had sailed off into the horizon. Thomas breathed in the fresh sea air, duffel bag strewn over his shoulder.

"America, here I come!"

The journey went well for the first day or two. The weather was great, the sun was shining, and Thomas had a good time. But on the third day, disaster struck. A huge storm racked the boat, with high waves crashing onto the deck. The crew thought hard to keep her under control, but soon came to the realization that it was a losing battle.

"Everyone to the lifeboats, abandon ship!"

It was a mad rush for safety, and Thomas just barely managed to get the last spot in one. Once they reached the water, everyone began to row for dear life as the sea got more and more rough. They didn't get far, though, as a larger wave crashed over them, crushing the boat into splinters. Thomas just barely managed to grab onto some driftwood, giving him a brief moment to rest.

"Ah man, can this get any worse? Well, at least I'm alive..."

His thoughts were interrupted by a large shadow coming over him. Looking up, he saw a tremendous wave about to crash down right on top of him.

"I just had to say it."

Thomas closed his eyes as the wave crashed down once more. He felt a dragging sensation, and everything went dark.

On a deserted island, a shaggy-haired man combed the beach, searching for something to eat when he saw something wash up on shore. As he got closer, his eyes widened when he realized it was a human being. Rushing over, he searched for a pulse. There was one, but it was weak.

"Geez, what happened to you?"

"Dad, what happened? We heard-"

"-A noise and you weren't there. Is something wrong?"

Turning around, he found his twin children looking at him confused.

"I'm fine kids, but he's not. Come help me bring him back home, I might be able to save him."

"Yes sir, right away!"

Carefully, the small family dragged the man away, hoping to help him. It had been a long time since they had seen anyone else, and they didn't want to lose him without knowing who he was. Looking down at him, the patriarch found something of note: a small patch on his shirt that read "NWR."

"Sodor, huh? How long has it been..."