Thomas and Friends Fanfiction Series 9

Emily's Express

Emily is always looking splendid, especially since she got her number 12 painted on her tender. She is very proud to be the Island's Safety Engine and is equally proud of her coaches which she carries passengers in at times. 

One morning, Emily rose early and made her way to the Rescue Centre. 

But as she passed through Knapford, the Fat Controller waved her over. 

"Hold on, Emily!" he called. 

"What is it, sir?" 

"My mother has been promised a tour of the Rescue Centre, and I would like you to take her in a special private train." 

"Oh, sir, of course, sir!" whistled Emily eagerly. 

While Emily collected her coaches, ready to carry Dowager Hatt to the Search and Rescue Centre, Toby trundled in to collect workmen headed for the Quarry. 

"You look happy, Emily," he said. 

"Yes, I am! I'm going to take Dowager Hatt to the Rescue Centre for a tour!" 

"Ooh, that's a special job," smiled Toby, "I normally just carry workmen with Henrietta. But I do remember the one time I carried Alicia Botti to a concert. I felt so proud, once I stopped worrying. Why, it was almost like I was carrying an Express train just for a VIP." 

"We're running late, Toby," said Henrietta. 

"Yes, I'd better go. Have fun, Emily!" 

Toby and Henrietta left, and Emily beamed. 

"Taking Dowager Hatt in a private train...like an Express! Yes, this will be Emily's Express for the day!" 

Soon, Dowager Hatt arrived at the platform and boarded Emily's front coach. 

"To my tour, please, Emily!" she said. 

"Yes, ma'am," smiled Emily and she puffed away, feeling grand pulling her VIP Express. 

On her way, she stopped at a signal. 

She didn't like having to wait when she was pulling an Express. 

(Henry passes through with some logs.) 

Eventually, the signal dropped and Emily set off again and decided to pick up speed to make up for any lost time. 

"Emily's Express Coming Throoough!" 

Emily sped up, nearly causing Dowager Hatt to spill her tea! 

"Oh, my!" she gasped. 

Emily was more used to rushing around pulling Rocky to an emergency these days and forgot that passengers do not like being pulled at dangerous speeds. 

She raced past Percy with his mail trucks. 

"Emily, be careful! You're not running to an emergency!" he shouted. 

But Emily didn't hear Percy and kept going. The speed she was going was beginning to make Dowager Hatt feel a little green in the face. 

Finally, Emily arrived at the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre. 

"Sorry I'm late, Rocky," she panted, "but I had to pull my own VIP Express to bring Dowager Hatt here for a tour!" 

"At that speed, Emily?" asked Rocky. 

"I always go this fast when it's an-!" 

Emily gasped. She realized her mistake in concentration. 

Dowager Hatt hobbled out of her coach and still feeling travel sick went up to Emily. 

"Why did you go so fast, Emily? I do like jitters and japes, and thrills and spills, but not at that speed!" 

"I'm so sorry, ma'am," said Emily with a shameful blush, "I just wanted to deliver you to the Centre in Express time. I felt so honoured to be pulling a person as important as you that I forgot not to rush too much with passengers." 

"Well, be more mindful in future, Emily, or I'll end up being very ill." 

"Yes, ma'am," sighed Emily. 

Before Dowager Hatt could begin her tour, the alarm sounded. 

"A real emergency!" gasped Emily. 

"Oh, how exhilarating!" shouted Dowager Hatt. 

No-one said a word until Rocky was told. 

"There's a fire at the Steamworks, and Victor has fallen into the table well trying to escape! We need to pull him out and put out the fire!" 

"Right, let's go, Rocky!" said Emily dutifully. 

"We're ready," added Belle and Flynn in unison. 

"I'm coming too," added Dowager Hatt, climbing into Rocky's cab. 

"But I will be having to go fast again, ma'am," warned Emily. 

"What better exhibit for a tour than to witness a real rescue, Emily? Now, full steam ahead!" 

"Yes, ma'am!" 

Emily raced to the rescue. Belle and Flynn followed. 

(Harold takes off to oversee the rescue and then we see him surrounding the Steamworks as Emily, Rocky, Belle and Flynn arrive.) 

"We'll tackle the flames," said Flynn, "you rescue Victor!" 

"Straight away, Flynn," agreed Rocky. 

(Thomas and Kevin are watching nervously.) 

"You can do it!" shouted Thomas. 

Emily got close enough for Rocky to lower his arm so that men could chain Victor securely, so he could be lifted out. 

"Oh, do hurry, please!" cried Victor. 

"We've got you, Victor," soothed Emily. 

Rocky soon lifted Victor into the air. Dowager Hatt was thoroughly enjoying the rescue she was watching. 

"Oh, what a thrilling experience!" 

"That's a matter of opinion, ma'am," wailed Victor. 

Soon Victor was safely on the rails again and Belle and Flynn had the fire under control. 

"No structural damage," called Belle, "the Steamworks are safe!" 

"HOORAY!" cheered Victor, Emily and Thomas. 

Just then, the Fat Controller arrived. 

"Oh my! Oh dear! Is everybody alright?" 

"Yes, Topham! All is well! Thanks to your fantastic rescue and safety team!" praised Dowager Hatt. 

"Mother? Why aren't you at the Centre?" 

"Because I wanted a tour of a real rescue in action, of course! And I haven't been disappointed. You are all Really Useful! And as for you, Emily, I think you pulling Rocky to rescue your friends is what I would call...a Hero's Express!" 

Emily was delighted and blushed happily. 

"Thank you, ma'am!" 

Everybody whistled! 

After that, Dowager Hatt had her real tour, and Emily, though proud to have a Hero Express, did not allow it to go to her funnel a second time! 

(The End!)