Sodor's New Worker

Backstory, and a Place to Call Home

   The journey to Sodor was a rather quiet one. The girl didn't speak much at all, much to Thomas' dismay. He wanted to talk, the trip was too boring! All she did was play around on a small rectangle that emitted light. His driver said it was called a 'cellphone'. He figured the best way to start a conversation was to ask to know more about her.

"So, Maddy..where exactly are you from? You're clearly not an engine, so you weren't built anywhere near here. What brings you to Sodor? Are you going to be working with me? Are-"

"Slow down, smoke-for-brains. I can only answer so many questions at a time," Maddy huffed, putting away her phone. "It's none of your business where I'm from. I was assigned to Sodor because I impressed the controller enough, and no one else wanted to have a freak like me. Yes, I will be working alongside you."

"Hold on, hooooold on there." Thomas said. "What do you mean 'a freak like you'? You seem pretty normal to me!"

"I thought the first tipping point of me being abnormal was riding along on your damn running board. I'm not normal at all. I was...tested on, per say, to be given abilities that would give me the strength of an engine such as yourself. Well, I was the only successful trial before the facility went bankrupt. News spread quick about me, and no one wanted me, until this controller found me peculiar, asking me to join the railway. Who was I to say no?" she scoffed. "There, does that make you happy?"

"I..uh, guess? Dang, that's..actually kind of sad. Whatever, I'm sure you'll like it. Look! I see the bridge!"

   Thomas blew his whistle as the two made their way across the bridge to the Island of Sodor. 

"Now, I was told we need to look for a tender engine called Edward, think you can help me look?" Thomas asked. "Pretty please? Make yourself useful?"

"Listen here Tommy, just because I'm smaller than you doesn't mean you can boss me around. But sure, I'll help."

   Thomas didn't even hear her agree, he was too busy spluttering at being called 'Tommy'.

  Maddy look around the yard, trying to stay hidden as much as she could. She did say she'd help Thomas, but her crippling shyness had other plans. She was worried these other engines would label her the same as everyone else did. A freak of nature. Oh well, even if they did, as least Thomas accepted her for who she was. 

"Helloooooo?" called the little engine. "Anyone heeeere?"

"You must be the new engine! Welcome to Sodor!" called out a voice. Maddy jumped, and hid herself from view.

   A medium sized mixed-traffic engine puffed into view. He was blue, with the number 2 on his tender. She squeaked to herself, thankful that the engine was on the left side of Thomas.

"Uh..that's me! My name is Thomas.." he said, looking over at the new engine.

"Well, Thomas, it's very nice to meet you!" boomed another voice.

   A man stepped out of the tender engine's cab, and made his way up to Thomas. Again, Maddy was thankful that she wasn't seen. 

"Now, Thomas," said the large man, "I understand that I sent you to pick something up for me. Where is it?"

"Oh..uh..she's right here!" Thomas spoke, glancing to his right. The man walked over, chuckling as the poor girl came into view.

"Hello there.." he spoke softly. "You're much smaller than I thought. Come on out so we can see you better.."

   Maddy reluctantly stepped off Thomas, and came into the man and the tender engine's view. The engine didn't know what to think, as he thought TWO engines were coming, not an engine and a tiny human!

"Oh my-" he exclaimed. "Sir..she's so..tiny!"

"Yes, Edward, I'm aware of that. What's your name, ma'am?" the man asked.

"M-Madison..but please call me Maddy." she said, looking over at Edward, scowling slightly. Edward wasn't sure what he did wrong, and just smiled warmly at the girl.

"Well Maddy, I'm Sir Topham Hatt. Welcome to my railway. I'm sure you'll fit right in! You're not alone here." he chuckled, reaching out his hand.

She had absolutely no idea what he meant by that, and just shook his hand.

"..Glad to be here, sir.." she muttered. "So..uh..where will I be staying?"

"Oh, you'll be staying at Tidmouth sheds along with Thomas. A bed has been set in the back of the sheds for you." STH said, smiling at the young girl. Now Edward finally knew what that bed was for.

   Just as STH was about to explain more, everyone heard a whistle, and Edward rolled his eyes, knowing EXACTLY who it was.

"Oh no.." was all that he said.