Chapter 2: The Night at the Shed

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Edward was still thinking about what York had said when he returned home that night. Rain was now lightly peppered the rails, which didn't do much to calm Edward's already skyrocketing nerves.
"Long day?" Skizz asked with a smile.
"Very." Sighed Edward. "Did you hear about the harbour?"
"How could we not?" Skizz replied, laughing to himself. "Chattem had to shunt at the harbour, leaving the big station without a pilot."
"It was miserable." Grunted Zorran. "Tender engines aren't built for shunting!"
"You're sounding like Gordon!" Skizz guffeled. Before Zorran could retort, the doors swung open! The engines jumped! Only to find The Fat Controller standing by the door. He strolled through the sheds, only stopping when he was in the centre of the turntable.
"As I'm sure you're aware." He explained. "Harvey's in need of some major repairs. While not entirely new, there's meant to be a big contract with a cargo ship."
The Fat Controller paused, examining each of the engines faces. Some had confusion plastered across them, some worried, but a good few just avoided the eye contact.
"It's going to be all hands on deck." He eventually continued. "And I'll need an engine to brave this storm, and help bring the cargo ship into port."
"What's the ship carrying?" Donald's driver asked.
"Petrol." Replied The Fat Controller. "It's a dangerous job. So I'll need an experienced engine to take the reins."
At last, someone spoke up.
"I can do it, sir." Everyone's eyes flicked to Edward. "If it's an experienced engine you want, it's an experienced engine you'll get."
York smiled to himself.
"Well done, Edward!" The Fat Controller nodded. "You'll leave in half an hour."
And The Fat Controller turned around, however, he stopped before he was even one foot out the door.
"Oh, and I'll need one of you to take the midnight goods, then pick up the fuel in the morning."
"I'll go!" Skizz replied. "Edward's really shown us all up!"
The Fat Controller nodded again, but smiled.
"Thank you, to you both. Keep this railway running smoothly." And with that, he was gone. The engines waited in silence for a few minutes, while their crews dithered around, before, at last, Zorran spoke up.
"Well. I personally think that's just rude."
"Can you not!?" York grunted. "Edward and Skizz have decided to help the other engines out of the kindness of their own hearts! You could certainly learn a thing or two about kindness!"
"I do so!" Zorran retorted.
"Everyone!" Edward interjected. "Please. Let's not bicker. We've all got a long night ahead of us."
"Edward's right." Gordon replied. "Most of us are bound to be kept up at night by this raging storm. So it's best if we all can catch some shut eye beforehand."
"Enjoy your beauty sleep!" Teased Skizz! "Edward and I will be wetter than l-"
"We get it! We get it!" Peter shuddered at the memory. "But, no, seriously. Good night."

It wasn't long before Edward crept out of the sheds. The rain was now lightly peppering his blue paintwork, almost acting like a cold wash down. Skizz was at the coaling stage not far away, when Edward was brought to a halt for water.
"At this rate, I'd just need to open my water cap and let the rain do the job." Edward joked. Skizz giggled like a school girl.
"You don't say!" The black engine guffeled. "Remind me to never seek health advice from you again!"
Both engines laughed quietly.
"Either way." Kate sighed, mopping her brow. "You lot bett'a take care. These strong winds are bound to give you lot trouble."
"We will." Skizz's driver replied. "You'll be closer to the water too. The harbours gonna take a right battering."
"That's why I volunteered." Edward explained. "Kate and Misty mightn't be the smartest bunch, but I like to think-"
"Oh wow! Thanks Edward!" Grumbled Misty. "Some friend you are.."
"What I'm trying to say..." Edward tried to speak over his stoker. "Is that I do know this railway better than any engine. What could go wrong?"

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