The Secret Railway: Season 3 (Female Controller Reader)

Chapter 8: Cannonball

Diesel 10 was left in the sheds, and was sad and lonely. Despite his redemption, he was shunned by all the engines, thinking he had gone back to his old ways. All except one: Lady. Lady knew Diesel 10 was reformed, and could see it in his soul.

Lady decided to look into matters herself.

Rain had come to Paradise Island, and it had made the lines very slippery.

Recently, Gordon was feeling unwell. He struggled valiantly on, not wanting to disappoint the passengers. However, it was clear he needed maintenance.

"You poor thing," sympathized Dudley. "It's most admirable to push yourself to such limits - certainly wouldn't get that from any diesel. I always longed for a chance at an Express run of my own."

He gave a heavy sigh.

"Alas, my class only ever pulled coal trains and other goods. Work is work, mind you, but it would be superb to coast along with coaches. I suppose I'll never get my chance - the Other Railway certainly wouldn't provide such an opportunity."

Bear then said, "Why don't you take it? I'm sure the passengers would love to see an engine like you pulling the express!"

Dudley then said, "Why thank you very much! I do hope that I find it enjoyable."

Meanwhile, (Y/N) was telling the Boco to stay in the yards, and tell the engines that there were speed restrictions.

The other engines listened well, and respected his warnings, all except for Dudley.

"There's a speed restriction due to the rain," he advised, "you'd best-"

"I'll manage just fine, thank you."

"Excuse me?"

"I was built for fast services - I didn't survive wartime by crawling along, you know. A little rain won't impede my work."

"This isn't about your 'work'," huffed Boco, "it's about our passengers' safety!"

Dudley smirked, "What would you know, you failure of engines. You were always taking goods, and no passengers!"

Dudley laughed, leaving Boco to brute to himself. Unknown, a small magic tank engine saw the whole thing.

Wet weather loosens soil on the hillsides along the tracks. This, in turn, creates potential for landslides. Mrs. Kyndley had saved Thomas from one many years ago - but the Paradise Island wasn't lucky enough to have its own "Mrs. Kyndley"! As such, speed restrictions were enacted to stop engines from crashing into any shifted earth.

Dudley didn't care for the speed limit. He thundered along with the Express, determined to prove himself.

"Two big engines down," he chuckled darkly, "now, to get rid of those pesky diesels..."

If Dudley hadn't been so busy scheming, he might have heard the rumbling of the hillsides ahead. The heavy rain had worked its magic, and the soil was ready for a mad dash towards the rails!

The Driver was first to notice it.

"Yikes!" he shouted.

Dudley broke from his thoughts to see the earth tumbling down the hillside!

"We'll never stop in time," he cried, "more steam, NOW!"

The Driver threw open the regulator. Dudley's side rods blurred, and his wheels pounded the rails.

"Come on, come on," he shouted.

He flew past just in time. The earth clattered down behind the last coach, blocking the line and shaking the rails - they were safe!

At the Station, the passengers flooded the platform and swarmed around the Stationmaster.

"Your engine is a hero!" they shouted, "he shot off like a cannonball and saved us!"

"I'll be sure to tell the Reverent Controller," smiled the Stationmaster. 

Dudley smirked, and headed back to the roundhouse.

Inside, the welcome was far from warm. The engines glared at him, while he just backed down into his birth.

(Y/N) was not happy with this at all.

"Speed restrictions are not 'optional', Dudley - you may be used to fast work, but that's no excuse to gamble with the lives of our passengers!"

"Speed restriction, Ma'am?" Dudley replied, innocently, "I wasn't aware of such a thing!"

"Rubbish!!" said Lady, as she puffed in, "You ignored Boco's warning, and insulted him to top it off!!"

"Boco is a kind and loyal diesel," said Gordon, "He would never ignore something as important as the safety of passengers!"

"I told you that it was a bad idea for the diesels to be here!" said Mallard.

"They're always causing trouble!" said Duck.

Soon, the whole shed was filled with arguing, until Lady blew her whistle so loud, her whistle cap shot off, and hit the roof!

"Thank you Lady," said (Y/N), "We shall investigate this further. As you did save the passengers from disaster, I'll forgive this instance of a violation. However, future restrictions are to be followed - is that clear?"

"Yes ma'am," said Dudley, "I Understand ma'am."

Soon, the engines were divided against one another, with some siding with the diesels, and others siding with Dudley.

Lady decided to make a plan, but would need some help.