Thomas and Friends Fanfiction Series 7

Nia's Day Off

Nia is an African engine and one of the newest members of the Steam Team. She has made good friends with all of the members. 

(She is seen whistling with James.)

And she is making friends with all the other railway inhabitants every day. 

(She whistles hello to Old Slow Coach and Big Mickey.) 

One day, Nia was shunting trucks in the yard when the Fat Controller came over to her. 

"Nia, you have proven yourself to be an admirable part of my railway," he boomed cheerfully, "but you have been working very hard to prove yourself. Tomorrow, you are welcome to have a day off and enjoy Sodor or just rest in your shed." 

"But what about my duties, sir?" asked Nia worriedly. 

"Edward has kindly volunteered to do your work. His branch line is closed for repairs near Suddery." 

"Thank you, sir," beamed Nia. 

Nia was excited. They had never given her a day off in Kenya. 

The next morning, Nia was ready to enjoy her day off. It was nice to hear the other engines leaving to start work, while she rested for a little longer. 

"Enjoy your day off, Nia!" tooted Thomas. 

(He passes her pulling Annie and Clarabel.)

"Thank you, Thomas!" 

Nia eventually left the shed and went to thank Edward for taking on her work in the yard. 

"It's no trouble at all, Nia," said Edward cheerily, "if not for your day off, I'd be stuck in my shed at Wellsworth, waiting for my branch line to be fixed." 

Nia smiled and went on her way. 

She went to visit Brendam Docks. She wanted to hear one of Salty's stories and wondered if he knew any of the sea shores of Africa. 

Soon, she arrived. 

(Big Mickey and Carly can be seen working.) 

"Is Salty around, Cranky?" she called. 

"Salty's always around here somewhere, Nia," cranked Cranky in a bored voice.

"Har-har, someone mention me?" 

Salty came over with some flatbeds for Cranky to load from a tramp steamer. 

"Hello, Salty," beamed Nia, "today is my day off. I came to see you and was hoping you could tell me a story about Africa?" 

"Har-har, of course, Nia." 

And Salty began, much to Nia's delight and Cranky's annoyance. 

"Not again," he muttered to himself. 

 "It was on the outskirts of Africa when the sea showed its love to the overheated country," recited Salty, "there had been a whale as big as ten tender engines put together and it saw that some villagers be hot, tired and thirsty. This whale be named Oasis, and she decided to help out. She swam a mite closer into shore and then raised her ginormous tail and splashed it down into the sea waters, causing...a tidal wave!" 

Nia gasped. Cranky rolled his eyes. 

"The wave cooled down the villagers no end, and she also caused a humongous puddle that was later named the oasis. Oasis the Whale created the watering holes of the hottest of deserts, Nia, and she beloved by all who uses the oasis to keep them hydrated!" 

"That was a wonderful story, Salty," smiled Nia. 

"Har-har, but now's the time to be working again," replied Salty, "enjoy the rest of your day off!" 

"I will! Enjoy your work, Cranky!" called Nia. 

Cranky grumped in silence as he went back to work. 

"Days off...alright for some." 

Nia decided to follow the main line to enjoy the views of the countryside and to greet her friends who passed by. 

She didn't travel very far before she saw Gordon up ahead. He had stopped in the middle of the Express line. His passengers were standing outside his coaches looking annoyed and worried. 

"What's wrong, Gordon?" asked Nia. 

"My back coach derailed," grumbled Gordon, "and I can't run on without it. The Express is stuck." 

Nia felt sorry for Gordon. 

"Don't worry, Gordon, I'll go and get help." 

"You don't need to do that. It's your day off." 

"Day off or not, I want to be Really Useful by helping you be Really Useful, my friend!" 

Nia puffed quickly away, leaving Gordon feeling touched and relieved. 

Nia went along the line looking for someone to help Gordon. She saw the very engine: Harvey. 

"Harvey, do you think you could help lift Gordon's Express coach back onto the rails?" she panted. 

"It's a difficult job, Nia, but I'll happily help out!" said Harvey. 

Soon, Harvey rescued Gordon's coach. 

"Hooray!" cheered the passengers. 

Gordon was very grateful too. 

"Thank you, Harvey, and thank you, Nia. Taking time out of your day off to help the Express run again. You're a Really Useful engine and a grand friend! Now, Express coming throoough!" 

Gordon whistled happily away to make up for lost time. 

Nia smiled, thanked Harvey and went on her own way. She diverted off the main line and met up with Thomas at Great Waterton. He happily told her all about how he discovered the town after it had been lost for years. Nia was fascinated with Sodor's history. 

After a long day off, Nia happily yawned as she arrived at Knapford on the way to Tidmouth Sheds. 

She saw Gordon and the Fat Controller waiting for her on the platform. 

"Nia, I hear from Gordon that you helped to rescue him and his passengers from serious delay! I am very proud of you. Even when I give you a day off, you continue to prove to me that you are a Really Useful asset to my railway!" 

Nia was delighted. 

"It's always a pleasure to be Useful, sir," she said happily. 

And when Nia returned to work, she was given a special job: delivering some VIPs to visit Great Waterton! 

(The End!)