Hero of the rails (My version)

Chapter 5: Thomas at the steamworks

Later that morning, Thomas was at the Sodor Steamworks. He was having his brakes fixed. Thomas liked the Steamworks. There was hustle and bustle, sparks and spanners. It was lively and friendly. And there was Victor. Thomas liked Victor.

Victor: Thomas? Tell me, my friend. What were you doing there in the middle of nowhere, pulling 7 loaded flatbeds? Are you crazy? Next time Spencer tells you to do something silly, do me a favor will you? And your little friends as well. Say no?

Thomas: Okay, Victor.

Thomas had almost forgotten about the contest with Spencer. His boiler was bubbling with excitement over Hiro. He wanted to tell Victor but he knew he couldn't. Other engines might hear and then someone might tell The Fat Controller. Just then, Spencer steamed in.

Spencer: So, there you are, Thomas! Broken down, I see? Seven flatbeds must've been just too heavy for you!

Spencer was amazed. He wasn't expecting Thomas to be cheery.

Spencer: Uh, what do you say?

Thomas: I said "Good morning" and "well done".

Spencer: I... I....

Victor: Do you have a job to do, Spencer or are you just gonna stand here, chatting? You're taking up a lot of track.

Spencer was shocked.

Spencer: No one speaks to me like that! 

Then, Spencer slid away, sneering.

Spencer: (muttering) I can't believe....

  Victor: He's all silver steam and bossy boiler that one.

[Thomas chuckles]

Thomas laughed. He like Victor.

Victor: Okay, my friend, you're all fixed. Please stay away from Mr Silver Steam. The Fat Controller needs you on your branch line.

Thomas: Thank you, Victor.

[A bang is heard and everyone turns to the yellow crane]

Kevin: Sorry, boss.

Victor: (sighs) Kevin. What are you doing? How many times do I have to tell you? You don't drop things, you lower things. Slowly, slowly. Gently, gently.

Kevin: Yes, boss. Sorry, boss. I was trying, boss. Just a slip of me hook.

Behind Kevin, Thomas saw something very interesting: a wagon with an old piston cylinder on it.

Thomas: That would be good for Hiro. I wonder if Victor would let me have it?

Thomas puff away, excited.

[The scene changes to Thomas delivering straw trucks]

That afternoon, Thomas was busy on his branch line. He wanted to finish his jobs as fast as he can puff.

Percy: Tell me all about the contest, Thomas.

Thomas: I'm sorry, Percy. I can't stop. I've so much to do. I'II tell you all about it later.

Percy was disappointed.

Percy: Bye, then, Thomas.

Later, Thomas puffed back to the Sodor Steamworks. He was pleased to see it was very quiet.

Thomas: Victor. What's to become that old cylinder over there?

Victor: That pile of junk? It just taking up space.

Thomas: Shall I take it away for you?

Victor: Aren't you busy, my friend?

Thomas: No. I can take it easily.

Kevin: Would you like a helping hook?

Thomas: No, thank you Kevin.

So Thomas was coupled to the flatbed and they went away along towards the track that lead to Hiro. Then they heard the clatter of wheels and pounding pistons of a big engine behind them.

Thomas: (gasps) It's Spencer. I don't want him to see us. He'll wonder what I'm doing with this old cylinder.

Thomas huff and puffed as fast as he could towards a siding. His boiler bubbled as he slowed to a stop. Spencer's rattle and roar came closer and closer as he rolled by. Then Spencer stop and reversed. He was on the other side of the trees to Thomas. Thomas hardly dare puff.

Spencer: Hmm. 

Spencer steams away, much to Thomas' relief.

Thomas: Fizzling fireboxes, that was close!

 Hiro was very happy to see Thomas. Thomas' driver and fireman unloaded the old cylinder. Soon, Hiro's cylinders were in place.

Thomas: Tomorrow Hiro, we're come back and we can start work. I have to go back to Tidmouth Sheds now. The other engines will be wondering where my friends and I am.

Hiro: Thank you, Thomas.

Thomas smiled and steam quickly away and puff back towards Tidmouth. He chuffed around a bend, then he gasped.

Thomas: (gasps) Cinders and ashes! The Duke and Duchess of Boxford's summer house is very close to Hiro's hiding place. I must do my best to protect Hiro. I have to be very, very careful.

That night, Thomas told his friends all about his contest with Spencer. He was going to tell them about Hiro but the Fat Controller arrived.

[He walks over]

The Fat Controller: Tomorrow, you all have a very busy day. Your jobs will start especially early. So Thomas, don't puff around the island pulling heavy loads or any other silly ideas. I need really useful engines, not really broken ones.

Thomas: Yes, sir.

   Now, Thomas didn't dare tell his friends about Hiro. The Fat Controller had spoken, "No broken engines".