Sodor's Unusual Tales

Thieves & Sabatuers

Original version(s) by Legomastr 365 and NWR1991

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People would think that the Sodor Railway and many others only handle passenger and freight services. Despite this, few are aware that there are other services on the railway that aren't just for transport. The Sodor Search & Rescue Center works as Sodor's rescue administration, and many of the engines there are designed for trackside emergencies, including fires. However, these such emergencies aren't the only types to exist on Sodor. The island has often witnessed crime, including ones on the railway. The Sodor police departments and the Railway Board came to an agreement that a railway law enforcement service is needed. And so, the Sodor Railway Enforcement Service was formed. Instead of having its own fleet, locomotives from other companies were simply repurposed as police engines. These dedicated lawmen kept the railways safe and secure. However, there were times that the SRES would often be at odds with the Sodor Fleet. And sometimes, the SRES would often give advice to the engines about how to handle dangerous situations on their own.

One day, Thomas was waiting at Ffarquhar Station, thinking about the SRES. He's unable to think about anything else, as the SRES have been at odds with the Sodor Fleet for some time. His crew had noticed.

"They're not meaning any harm, Thomas," said his driver.

"They're only doing their job," added the fireman.

"But they sure have an unpleasant way of showing how they do things," replied Thomas. "Recently, Gordon told me that a guard of his was questioned by the SRES for a whole 24 hours regarding something about-"

Just then, a tank engine came chuffing in. Thomas already knew who it was: Joey, a police engine working for the SRES.

"Hello, Thomas," he said to the blue tank engine.

"Hello, Joey," muttered Thomas. "Why are you here at Ffarquhar?"

"A couple of thieves had broken into Sir Topham Hatt's office the other day," replied Joey. "They had stolen his safe, which is said to contain important papers for the railway. On top of that, they had also stolen the stationmaster's car. They are currently suspected to be transiting through here. Since you were nearby, I thought it would be best to alert you."

"I'll be on the lookout then," said Thomas. "Thanks for the alert." And he puffed away.

"Don't mention it," said Joey.

Later that night, Henry was scheduled to take The Flying Kipper. During his run, he was busy thinking about a run-in that James had with an SRES engine.

"I get they're doing their job," he said to himself. "But the least they could do is be a little more pleasant."

As they neared Wellsworth, they noticed something laying on the ground and stopped to check it out.

"Is that a signal?" asked Henry.

"Looks like it," replied his driver. "We better alert the stationmaster about it."

They were about to continue when they heard a familiar whistle.

"Oh, it's just Gordon," said the fireman.

Then, Henry remembered something... and his eyes widened.

"Isn't he traveling on this line?!" he said.

Sure enough, Gordon came into their view. And Henry came into his.

"Oh, no!" he shouted. "Incoming!