The Sudrians: The Archive Collection

The Rookie

Mickey did an excellent job with taking out the fire from Henry's tender. But there was a problem, there was another fire on the railway when Henry's fire happened. Right near Tidmouth, an old brake van was set alight. Sadly, by the time Mickey arrived to the scene, the brake van was now ashes.

Mickey's team took in the remaining pieces of fire but it only took them a minute.

Mickey and the firemen sadly went back to the fire station which was near Wellsworth. Mickey couldn't help but feel the guilt swell in him.

The next morning, Mickey went to check on the news on what was to happen to the remaining pieces of the brake van. He watched as workmen took up the burnt wood and put them on a flatbed.

Gordon pulled up alongside the fire engine.

"I'm suppose to save lives," said Mickey, who still looked on at the scorch remains of the brake van. "Not let them be burnt to death."

Gordon sighed. "You know you can't always save lives Mickey," he said, "You should know that."

"But it was a life that was taken yesterday," said Mickey.

Gordon paused. "Was this... your first-"

"Yes," replied Mickey suddenly, "It was."

Gordon said nothing for a bit. He knew Mickey had to come over it eventually, after all, he was a strong engine. Stern, strict, but friendly all the same.

The brake van wasn't well known to the engines. Just a regular brake van, but he wasn't regular for what the trucks had seen.

Some twittered to each other about the hole situation. Whilst others stayed respectfully silent.

Saying his good byes to Gordon, Mickey left the scene to head back to the fire station.

Mickey trundled among the line, with his usual train of fire and rescue equipment behind. 'A fire engine should always be ready,' he would say to the engines whilst going around the island, looking and waiting for any danger.

Mickey went over the points and to the station. But as he arrived, he couldn't believe his eyes. There, standing on the other line, was a large blue tank engine. It looked quite different to any large tank engine he had seen before. A very different running board and overall looked very big. Bigger than an LMS Ivatt.

Mickey puffed right up next to the newcomer. The big tank engine grinned at the fire engine.

"Hello," came a voice. Mickey was even more stunned. This engine, was a female?

"My name is Belle," continued the new engine, "I'm your new partner!"

Mickey was aghast, he hadn't expected an engine to come here and claim to be his partner. Especially a female engine!

"Um... I think there has been a mistake," said Mickey, "I don't need a partner."

"Actually Mickey, you do."

Mickey looked down to see the chief walking up to him.

"I'm sorry Mickey," replied the chief, "But you can't handle these types of duties alone now. The increase of fires and rescue operations are too much for you to handle. In fact, you're not the only one to have a partner at this fire station."

"Pardon, sir?"

"The government has requested that a second engine should be held at the busier fire stations in the United Kingdom. This means us as well for we're the busiest on this island. British Railways are building and sending engines such as Belle to come and help you as well as your brothers."