Chapter Text
A man walked into Mr Mack’s office at Crovan’s Gate.
“Hello, Mr Mack.” The man spoke. “I’ve just had a wonderful ride on a steam train from Ballahoo. I got a little lost.” He chuckled.
“Take a seat, please.” Mr Mack gestured. The man took a seat, and began speaking with Mr Mack. That night, Mr Mack walked over to the sheds. Skarloey was being polished in the sheds. He hadn’t forgotten the time he had been too excited, and bounced the railway inspector right off his footplate. Mr Mack walked over to Skarloey, who was worried he was in trouble. “Good evening, Skarloey.” He greeted.
“Good evening, sir.” Skarloey greeted.
“I know you are sorry for your bouncing. I’ve managed to get enough together to send you for overhaul. Your sister has had these fitted, and I’ve heard that they work.”
“Oh, thank you, sir!” Skarloey beamed. “But who will run the line while I’m away?”
“I’ve ordered another engine from the same people who made you. Once the engine arrives, you are to be sent by boat from Balladwail.” Mr Mack smiled.
Skarloey looked forward to that day, and talked about going away to anyone who would listen. It got to the point where others thought he wanted to leave! But soon, that day came. Skarloey puffed down to Balladwail, singing about how he was leaving. The men got quite annoyed with his singing. Skarloey had to wait on the Wharf while they unloaded another engine. Skarloey got quite impatient.
“Couldn’t they unload them after I’m on the boat?” He grumbled.
“Steady on, Skarloey.” His driver chuckled. “Mr Mack wants you to meet your replacement.” Skarloey’s face dropped. He hadn’t thought about it like that before. “Look, there they are now!” And there they were. They had been picked up by a crane, and were slowly being lowered onto the rails.
“Hello!” The new engine greeted. He was red, with two sets of wheels far apart from each other.
“Hello.” Skarloey greeted. “My name’s Skarloey. Take care of my line while I’m having new wheels!”
“I will!” The new engine farewelled, as Skarloey was lifted onto the ship.
Once the ship had set sail, the new engine made its way to Crovan’s Gate. People crowded around the new engine. Duke was sitting on the platform, and looked on in surprise.
“Looking smart, Jenny!” Duke called. “Although, I must say I preferred the yellow.” The new engine was confused.
“I’m not Jenny.” The new engine pointed out.
“Oh, my apologies.” Duke wheeshed. His guard blew his whistle, and Duke steamed out of the station. “Sorry, I’ve got a train to pull!” He called. Soon after Duke steamed away, Mr Mack walked out of his office.
“Ah, there you are!” Mr Mack smiled. “My name is Mr Mack, but you may call me the Thin Controller. What is your name?”
“Haven’t got one, sir. The workers never gave me one.” The new engine admitted.
“That’s two I’ve bought without names!” Mr Mack chuckled. “Shall I call you Rheneas? We’re almost at that village, and we’re thinking of putting a station there.”
“Won’t that get confusing?” The new engine asked. Mr Mack shook his head. “Very well. Rheneas it is.”
“Wonderful!” He exclaimed. “Rheneas it shall be!”