The Sudrians: The Archive Collection

The Failure

~1935~

"What time do you call this?"

"My system is out of order, no one understands my case, you don't know how I feel."

"Rubbish, you're too fat, you need exercise!"

Thomas rumbled out of the station. Leaving Henry in shock and sadness. "Why is life so cruel?" he asked to himself as he puffed out of the station.

He then watched Thomas' guard run out of the station platform and after Thomas down the line.

Henry said nothing as he watched him go around the corner, and out of site. The guard then blew his whistle, and Henry pulled out.

It took him a few more hours until he arrived at Vicarstown. He then saw The Fat Controller standing at the platform, waiting for him.

"Well what time do you call this Henry?" asked the stout gentleman.

"A good year?" asked Henry, in a jokingly manner.

The only response he got was a stern look from The Fat Controller. Henry subsided.

"Don't be late next time, other wise I'll come and see you at the sheds to discuss this matter with your crew," said The Fat Controller.

He walked away. Leaving Henry in sad state.

Henry was returning later that day with another train. He had to stop at Kellsthorpe Road, where he met Eagle, who was a guaranteed-connection with the hybrid's train.

"Morning Henry, how are things?" asked Eagle.

"Not good," replied Henry, "And he explained about what his condition was."

Eagle listened closely. "Maybe you could talk to Mickey about it," he said, "Apparently, he's good with this kind of stuff."

"Alright, I'll see him tomorrow then," replied Henry, "Thank you Eagle."

The guard then blew his whistle, and Eagle moved off, down the branch line.

***

Henry went to visit Mickey the next morning at Crovan's Gate. He explained about his condition and how some of the others didn't understand about it. Mickey listened carefully.

"And that's it!" finished Henry, "I'm just a-a failure!"

"You're not a failure Henry," replied Mickey, "If you were, Sir Topham Hatt would've sent you away ages ago. I mean, look at what had happened to Alfred, and that engine called Simon. From what I've seen from Alfred, and what I've heard about Simon, I completely understand why Sir Topham Hatt made them leave."

"But I'm only here because I'm owned by him!" said Henry.

"Maybe," Mickey replied, "But have you ever seen the number one from the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, Midland Railway and Great Northern Railway?"

"Well no-"

"And if you were a failure, Sir Topham Hatt would've done anything to sell you. Probably even send you to the scrapyard!"