Steam engines, Skullgirls, and Universes

Chapter 11: Disaster

The Medici's plan to have their engine attempt the speed record was delayed due to preparations for the event. Their workers worked long hours, some even pulling 24 hour shifts just to try to modify their top express engine for another shot at the speed record. 

Meanwhile for the next few days Canopy Railroad thrived. Gordon's run had attracted new costumers in both passengers and goods. Gordon would regularly pull the Canopy express, he made sure to take great care with it, just like he did back on NWR. Thomas continued to work on the branchline, taking any train that needed tending to. It seemed like the horrid twins learned to keep to themselves and didn't insult Thomas anymore. Thomas' popularity on the line only grew, being referred as the branch's engine of choice. Toby during all of this trundled happily through the city. Cars would often honk their horns to him, Toby always smiled and rang his bell back at them. For the three their lives around there was really starting to shape up.  

One morning was calmer than most. No nightmares, no bickering, just people getting ready for the day's work. Thomas and Toby were mostly awake, Gordon on the other had looked like any minute he would go right back to sleep. They're crews got their coffee and stayed in their cabs, checking the engine's fire. Thomas and Toby decided to have a chat to past the time. 

"So what do you make of this is man trying to buy Gordon?" Thomas asked Toby. 

"Oh I don't know, perhaps he thought of purchasing him once his working life is over." Toby suggested. 

"Rubbish. Gordon said he plainly asked to buy him outright so there's no two ways about it Toby." 

"Perhaps you're right. Who wouldn't want the engine who just broke the kingdom's speed record."

"I just hope this won't cause trouble. A big friend of mine once warned me about the people here, that some will do anything to get us." Toby grew concerned. If Thomas' friend was a trust worthy source, then that means at any minute, things could turn south. 

"I wouldn't worry about it Thomas, we're under the egrets protection." his driver tried to put his worries at ease. Thomas did remember that egrets kept an eye on them, but they couldn't be everywhere at once. An announcement played on the radio in the shed. 

'Medici Railroads is taking another stab at the speed record.' This caught the entire shed's attention. 'After Gordon the high speed engine smashed their speed record, the railroad has been upgrading their previous express engine to go faster than what they've called 'The big blue whale.' Gordon heard this and was very cross. 

"Big Blue Whale am I!" he fumed. Vitale gave a statement. 

'While Canopy's new engine is rather impressive from a technical standpoint, the Medici Railroad always finds a way to stay one step ahead of the competition. We hope that our engine reclaims its rightful record with the run today.' 

'So there you have it, the Medicis are confident that their engine will beat the record again.' a workmen turned the radio to a different channel. 

"What a load of bull." the workman said. 

"I agree. The nerve of these 'Medicis', thinking they can take the record in just over a week." Gordon said. 

"I half expected this, I always saw them as sore losers." another workman said, he was polishing Gordon's funnel. Toby looked worried. 

"I do hope at least there run will be safe. To make a new locomotive so quickly there are bound to be mechanical problems or overlooks." Toby said. The others agreed, but they just had to leave in the hands of faith. 

The three were already starting work before the record run was to be attempted that afternoon. Thomas puffed happily on the Maplecrest line, the flowers swaying gently in the cool breeze. He made good time to every station and was about to enter the terminus when he noticed the twins go by him. They whistled long and rude to Thomas, they were pulling a heavy train of rails and other supplies. They're engine looked worse for wear and probably shouldn't be hauling such a heavy train.