《Steam of Britain》Chapter 28: Siblings

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The engines on Sodor were working hard. Mallard was excited. He soon arrived at the wash down, and said, "I would like to be polished please. I need to look my best." "What's the event?" "A Duke and Duchess is coming. I've been asked to meet them." "Very well."

Soon, Mallard was cleaned, and he headed off to meet the visitors. But a signal diverted him into a sighting. "I'm going to be late!!" he said. Just then, a silver streak came rocketing by! "Fizzling Fireboxes!! Was that Silver Link!?!?"

Mallard soon found out. He saw the engine sitting in the sheds. He was an LNER A4 Pacific like him, but his valances were removed, was silvery-grey, and had the name plate 'Spencer' on his smoke box.

"Oh, Spencer," said Mallard, "It's good to see you brother." "Thank you," said Spencer. "What are you doing here?" "I'm the Duke and Duchess' private engine. I take them everywhere." "Oh," said Mallard, "When did you become a private engine?" "Just a bit after I was withdrawn from service. The Duke found me, and said he was in need of an engine. He said he remembered when the A4s were top express engines. So, I was bought, and given a new look." Just then, Gordon arrived, and eyed Spencer. "Who are you!?" "Oh, Gordon," said Mallard, "This is my brother, Spencer, the Private Engine of the Duke and Duchess." "Pah," said Gordon. But he was secretly impressed. "Quite right," said the Fat Controller, "There will be a party at Marron station to celebrate the Railway's anniversary." "That's far away over Gordon's hill," said James. "You'll need to take on plenty of water," said Gordon. "I have plenty of water," snapped Spencer, and he raced away. "I was only trying to be useful," said Gordon. "I know Spencer," said Mallard, "He can get a bit big for his buffers at times. He usually has a high opinion of himself. Even before nationalization."

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At Tidmouth Station, Spencer stood at the platform, when Silver Link came up. "SPENCER!! BROTHER!!!" said Silver Link, "YOU MADE IT!!" "Silver Link!?" asked Spencer, "I thought you had been scrapped." "I was going to be," said Silver Link, "but Jack came to my rescue, and he helped make me a part of the Steam of Britain Fleet." "Lucky you," said Spencer. "Say, did you know the Silver Jubilee is back in service?" "Really?" asked Spencer, "I remember that train. It was our railroad to fame." "Indeed," said Silver Link, "And you had the honor of pulling the last before WWII." "Well, we didn't know about the war until it was too late." "So, you're a private engine now?" "Yes I am," said Spencer, "So, how are the other Jubilee engines?" Silver Link then frowned, and looked at his buffers. Spencer then realized what happened. "They're gone, aren't they?" "Yes," said Silver Link, with a tear in his eye. The guard then blew his whistle, and Silver Link headed off with his stopping express.

Soon, Spencer followed. He showed the Duke and Duchess many beautiful places. But he never stopped once to take on more water. Thomas and Gordon were collecting passengers, when Spencer rocketed by. "Don't forget the water!" said Gordon. "WHO CARES?!?" "He'll be in trouble soon," sighed Thomas.

And he was. He ran out of water on Gordon's Hill. "Why didn't I listen?" asked Spencer. "because you have an ego," said a voice. It was Mallard coming up the opposite line. "Yes, you are preserved as a private engine, but know, that it is an honor to be that. Every engine is the same, weather we are private, public, steam, diesel, express, goods, we all listen to each other, and help one another. Yes, it's not easy to admit we need help at times, but it takes a big engine to admit it." Mallard then puffed away with his passengers. Spencer felt ashamed of how he acted.

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Soon, after he was rescued, he spoke to Gordon. "I'm sorry I was rude," he said, "It was disgraceful for a Gresley Engine like myself to ignore advice from other engines." Gordon smiled, "It's alright. I can be too big for my buffers at times as well." Spencer then looked at Gordon, and asked, "Example?" "Well, I ignored go slow signs, all because I was an express engine." Spencer laughed. Soon, they were joined by Mallard, Silver Link, and Flying Scotsman. They talked about their adventures, and how they were happy to be together once more.

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