Chapter Text
Jasmine and the Express
Gordon and Henry often spoke about bootlaces at night on the shelf. Jasmine would reply with stories of engines being stuck in tunnels or on hills, but they ignored her, and went on talking and laughing.
“You talk too much little Jasmine,” Gordon would say when the Reverend wasn't around to hear, “A fine strong model like me has something to talk about. I am the only one strong enough to pull the express. When I am not there, they need two engines to manage it. Think of that!” He chortled.
“Ignore him,” Edward rolled her eyes, “one would think he believed himself an actual A3 the way he boasts.”
***
Early one morning Jasmine, Edward, and Gordon were taken to an exhibition.
“Wake up little Jasmine,” Gordon said as she was put on the tracks. “It's nearly time for the show to start. What have they got you doing today? Odd jobs? Ah well, we all have to start somewhere, don't we? Would you run along and get my coaches, it would be bad form for the express to start late.”
Jasmine rolled her eyes but went to fetch the express coaches. They were freshly repainted, and gleamed under the exhibition lights. Jasmine carefully coupled up and pulled them to the platform.
“We're going for a run. We're going for a run,” the coaches sang happily.
“I wish I was going with you,” Jasmine sighed, “I would love to pull the express and go flying down the line.”
She left them at the platform and rolled out of the way into the yard beside the station to wait for her next job.
Gordon was lowered onto the track next to her. “Look at me now!” He puffed, shifting his wheels, “goodbye for now little Jasmine. I shall see you when I return,” and he rolled toward the platform.
Jasmine just sighed and went to arrange the next train.
But she didn't get far before the Reverend called her over to the platform.
She dutifully rolled back, to find Gordon stuck on the points.
“Hello Gordon,” she said innocently, “have you returned already?”
Gordon just sighed despondently.
The Reverend and Mr.Sand were poking at Gordon’s other side with a pen.
“Your valve gear has come apart I'm afraid.” The Reverend said grimly, “I was concerned it was not up to task after your upgrades, but it has chosen a most inconvenient time to fail.”
He gently lifted Gordon from the layout, and Jasmine winced as she saw parts of his valve gear dangling.
“And now we have no one to pull the express.” Mr.Sand scratched his chin, “the exhibition starts any minute, and we need two engines now…”
The Reverend looked at Jasmine consideringly, “maybe we don't.”
Jasmine blinked, “me sir?” She asked in surprise.
“She’s only a mogul,” Mr.Sand said thoughtfully, "do you really think she can pull our express?”
“She has the same number of driving wheels as Gordon,” the Reverend pointed out, “and we're out of other options.” He turned to Jasmine, “Are you willing to pull the train?”
“I’ll try, Sir.”
“That's all I can ask,” he said with a smile as she backed down onto the train. “Do your best. If you can't pull it, it won't be the end of the world. We'll just have to find another engine to help you.”
The doors opened, letting the crowds in and the signal dropped. Jasmine dug in her wheels.
“Come-a-long. Come-a-long.” She puffed. Slowly, the train began to move.
“You're pulling us well! You're pulling us well!” The coaches sang as they picked up speed leaving the station yard.
Soon James got up to speed, and the station, bridges, and fields of the layout passed by in a blur.
Soon she reached the other end, panting happily. She had done it!
She was given time to rest before she was turned around on the turntable and ran around the train for the return trip. The station pilot helped her start the train this time and it was much easier.
“Well done Jasmine, well done indeed,” the Reverend said kindly as she pulled into the station. “Would you like to pull the Express regularly?”
“Yes Sir! Please Sir!”
“I'll have it arranged, then. Run along and have a rest before your next run.”
James found Gordon shunting in the yard, with the side missing his valve gear turned away from the crowds.
“Well done with the Express,” he said, hesitantly, but genuinely.
“Thank you, are you alright?” Jasmine asked concernedly.
“I will be fine.” He said gruffly, “the Reverend has arranged for one of the other club members to fashion me a better set of valve gear. One suited to my work.” He glanced at the trucks, "In the meantime I'm teaching these trucks manners.”
He gave them a bump, making them cry, “Oh! Oh! Oh!”
“I like the quiet work for a change,” he said dryly.
***
Gordon, Henry, and Jasmine are now better friends. They no longer bring up bootlaces and Jasmine takes the express to give Gordon a break, and covers for Henry when he's not feeling well. They are all quite agreed on the subject of trucks, much to the Reverend's exasperation, but he loves them all the same.