The Secret Railway: Season 3 (Female Controller Reader)

Chapter 17: 16

16 had been shut up in the shed for a long time now. He had dust on him, and was feeling sorry for himself. He had been naughty, and was put in the shed as a punishment. All he could do was watch as the other engines went by with their trains.

Next day however, (Y/N) had come to see him.

"Now, 16," said (Y/N), "I can see that you are sorry for your behavior. So, I will give you, ONE more chance. If you haven't improved, then you will be sent away."

"I understand ma'am," said 16, "I won't let you down. I'll do my best."

"Good," said (Y/N), "You will be put to work as a station pilot at Homestead."

"Yes ma'am. I'll do my best."

16's fire was lit, and soon, he was making a good lot of steam. He was oiled, dusted, and polished. The driver opened the regulator, and 16 headed to the big station.

16 shunted trucks onto their places, and pushed coaches to the platform. He then started organizing the break vans around.

It seemed that 16 was changing for the better. However, something was about to challenge him.

The Flying Kipper is an express fish train that goes from Connection Docks to Beach View. An engine from the other railway comes to bring some of the fish. The rest is brought in by boat. An engine like Rosie, Toby, or Percy is put on shunting duties to help get the train ready. Then, an engine like Henry, Pete, or Vinnie then take it all the way down the mainline, only stopping a few times.

Tonight, 16 was on shunting duties. He didn't like the smell of the fish, but wasn't about to jeopardize his position on the railway. 16 put each van into place, and went to wait for the mainland train.

1 hour.

2 hours

3 hours

4 hours, and still no engine or train.

Henry then came up, and said, "What's this?! You slacking off again 16?! I knew this would happen!!"

"The engine from the other railway hasn't come yet!!" said 16.

"You're just lazy, wanting to weasel your way out of work!!" said Henry.

16 and Henry argued for some time, until a workmen called (Y/N). She arrived in her pajamas, and not looking happy.

"16!! Why hasn't Henry left yet?!"

"The mainland train hasn't arrived yet!!"

"It should have by now!" said Henry, "You've just hidden the vans in spite!! You don't like shunting!!"

"16," said (Y/N), "I gave you a chance, but you leave me no choice. I'm sorry. Once you bring the van back, I will-"

However, a horn was heard, and a diesel from the other railway was seen rushing in, and panting, "Sorry I'm(pant) late. They (pant) forgot to (pant) attach some (pant) vans to my (pant) train and(pant) I had to go(pant) all the way back. (pant) Again, sorry."

The diesel was uncoupled from the train, and headed towards a fuel pump.

"Well," said (Y/N), a bit guilty, "I'm sorry 16. It's just, very late, and I'm not used to being up now. I.... I didn't mean to be so rude. I believe that I owe you an apology. Right, Henry?"

"Um, yes," said Henry, "Sorry, 16."

"I am sorry as well," said (Y/N).

"It's alright," said 16, "I understand if you didn't believe me, given my track record."

"Well," said (Y/N), "Tomorrow, I will reward you for your hard work, with a proper name."

16 beamed from buffer to buffer, "Thank you Ma'am!! I'll get the train ready right now!!"

16 put the vans into place, and the breakvan, and Henry set off into the night.

The next day, 16 was rewarded with a nameplate, and now, everyone greets him with the name he was given.

Robert.