//------------------------------// // Chapter 28: Starlight the Glimmering Engine // Story: MLP: The Equestrian Engines // by SuperSamYoshi //------------------------------// It was a splendid day on the Island of Sodor. It was also the Day Starlight came out the Steamworks. Fixing her up took a long time, but now she was out on the mainline and heading to Tidmouth Station. Meanwhile, Thomas was taking Annie and Clarabel back to the yards. He heard that Starlight was out the works and he wanted to meet her. He found her talking to the Fat Controller. “Thomas, meet Starlight,” said the Fat Controller. “Hello,” Thomas greeted. “Hello to you,” Starlight greeted back. “Starlight, go and collect some coaches, please,” the Fat Controller told her, “you and your driver must learn the line.” “Yes sir,” She answered and puffed away. Thomas was impressed. Later, the only coaches Starlight's driver could find were Annie, Clarabel, Helena and Victoria. “These aren't your sort of coaches,” said her driver, “But I suppose they'll do.” Annie, Clarabel, Helena and Victoria felt insulted. “How dare he say we'll do,” Clarabel whispered. Starlight puffed carefully along the track. “How dare he say we'll do, how dare he say we'll do?” Grumbled the coaches. Thomas and Twilight were double-heading a train, when they saw Starlight coming down the line, pulling their couches. “Hello you two!” Starlight called. But Thomas and Twilight was cross. “Those are my coaches,” they muttered, “Give them back!” But Starlight didn't hear Thomas or Twilight and she went on her way. Then, she passed Edward talking to Molly, and they ignored her. And when she was waiting at a red signal, Gordon puff passed, and he didn’t whistle either. When Starlight whistled hello, the engines didn't whistle back. Starlight couldn't understand why they were so unfriendly. She was upset. Later, The Fat Controller spoke to Thomas and Twilight. “I want you two to go to the docks to pick up new coaches,” he said. “New coaches?” Twilight asked. “But Sir!” Thomas tried to argue but the Fat Controller quickly interrupted. “Really useful engines don't argue,” Said The Fat Controller. Thomas and Twilight didn't want new coaches, they wanted their own coaches back. When Oliver and Adagio saw Starlight return to the yards, they was surprised. “What are you doing with those coaches?” Oliver asked. “They were the only coaches I could find,” replied Starlight. “We have names you know!” called Helena. “Those are Thomas' and Twilight’s coaches,” Adagio remarked. “So that's why they looked cross,” exclaimed Starlight, “I’ll go and apologise.” Meanwhile, Thomas and Twilight were puffing back to the yard with four new coaches. But Thomas was cross. He felt like the Fat Controller was replacing Annie and Clarabel “Don't want new coaches, don't want new coaches,” he chuffed crossly. “Quit your moaning,” Twilight snapped at him. Later, Starlight was still looking for Thomas and Twilight when a signalman flagged her down. “Oliver and Adagio hasn't cleared their signal box,” He told Starlight's driver, “Please, go and see what's wrong.” Starlight could see that Adagio had broken down on a crossing, and Oliver was trying to push her off the cross. Then, Starlight heard Thomas' whistle. He could see Adagio. But he knew he could never stop in time. “Ohhh!” cried Adagio Starlight charged towards Oliver, she was quickly coupled up, and with a huge effort pulled him and Adagio backward across the tracks, just in time. Later in the yard, where Twilight was making sure Thomas was ok and Adagio and Oliver were thanking Starlight, The Fat Controller praised her. “Well Done, you were a very brave engine,” he congratulated her. “The bravest,” chuffed Oliver. “It gives me great pleasure to present you with four new coaches,” the Fat Controller continued. “Oh those were for Starlight,” Thomas responded, “I thought you were replacing Annie and Clarabel.” “Now why would I do that?” chuckled the Fat Controller. Thomas blushed. “Thank you sir,” replied Starlight, “I’m sorry that I took your coaches.” “And I'm sorry I was so cross,” replied Thomas. “Friends?” Starlight asked. “Friends,” Thomas and Twilight replied. Starlight loves her coaches and being part of The Fat Controller's railway. Starlight had been working for a few weeks on the railway and had made many new friends. Like Rebecca, when she wasn’t pulling her own couches, she takes turns with the express. Gordon would often give her advice on how to handle the Express, but I’m sorry to say that thanks to the information Gordon gave her, she was so as pompous as he was. Early one morning, Starlight's fire would not light. “I don't know what's wrong,” sighed the firelighter, “There must be gremlins about.” “What are gremlins?” asked Sonata. “I've heard that they're little green creatures with big ears and claws who play tricks,” replied Pinkie. “Can we find one?” asked Sonata excitedly. “Pah!” said Aria, “Gremlins don't exist. They're just an excuse when things go wrong, and no one knows why.” “If firelighter says there are gremlins, there are,” Pinkie retorted. “Come on Aria,” cut in Applejack, “let them have their fun.” “Hah!” Snorted Aria. The Fat Controller had heard everything. “Silence!” he said, “I am expecting two VIPs, very important people today. They have heard that all my engines are really useful. Please prove it.” “Yes sir,” they all said. “As long as the Gremlins with let us,” said Sonata. “What Gremlins?” the Fat Controller asked. “The ones in Starlight's fire, sir,” Sonata replied, “that's why she's not ready yet.” “I'll see about that,” Thundered the Fat Controller, and he did, “Starlight, I expect you'd be on your best behaviour today. You are to pull the special coach for my special visitor. But no high speeds, please, one of them won't like that.” Starlight was proud and pleased. Later, she was waiting for her special coach when Sonata puffed in with some trucks. “What the matter Starlight?” she puffed, “You’re late.” “Driver says there's gremlins in the turntable,” Replied Starlight. “They must be everywhere!” squeaked Sonata. At last, the turntable was fixed, and Starlight puffed away with the special coach. She was soon working hard to make up for lost time. After she arrived at the station, the Fat Controller became concerned. “where’s Twilight?” he wondered, “she's supposed to be bringing my visitor from the docks.” “Hah!” Huffed Starlight, “Twilight isn't really useful is she's late.” Soon Salty arrived pulling a brake-down coach behind him. “Ar, sorry I be late,” he said, “Twilight was on her way, but a cow strayed on the line on her way up to the docks and she had to wait for the farmer to take the cow away. But the cow was being difficult. So I took yer visitors, and they are here safe and sound.” “Indeed they are,” smiled the Fat Controller, “How nice to see you two.” “Who are they?” asked Edward, who was at the station too. “I don’t know,” replied Salty, “But the Fat Controller is certainly keen to please them. He's a arranged a special party for them.” “The girl's got a dog as well,” said Edward. The dog barked. “Come on, Salty,” said his driver, “you need to get back to work.” “Pah!” huffed Starlight, “Twilight was just being a lazy little engine. The Fat Controller is expecting me to arrive on time. We're late because of Twilight.” Soon Starlight was puffing down the line. Her driver decided to make up for lost time. Then, there was trouble. “I think we better slow down,” he said to the fireman, “this is an old line it could make things uncomfortable for the VIPs.” And it did. The girl was taking a bath and the water was slopping all over the place. “AAAHHH!” she cried. The boy was laughing his head off at the girls cries. Starlight was very relieved to reach his final destination where Twilight was waiting to collect The Fat Controller and his special visitors. He blew an extra-long whistle. This frightened the girl's dog so much that he fled from the station and ran into a field where a bull was grazing. The bull turned and roared at the dog. The bull frightened the little dog even more. He ran back again onto the platform and over the bridge. He didn't stop until he jumped straight into Twilight's cab. But he had a wonderful ride all the way to the station were the party was taking place. “What's the dog's name?” asked the fireman. "Well, after today's events, I think I'll rename him Gizo," replied the boy. The Fat Controller chuckled. “In that case, I've met one at last. Ha, ha.” “Do you like that name?” the girl said to the dog, “Gizo? Do you like it? I think he likes it.” “Excuse me, sir, but who is your very important visitor?” asked Twilight. “Why didn't I tell you?” he replied, These two here are my son and daughter, Mark and Joy and this party is a ‘welcome home’ party. They agree with me that all of my engines are really useful. The engines of the island Sodor were always busy. Thomas and Twilight puffed back and forth to the beaches with happy holiday makers and Starlight proudly pulled the express. When Gordon is busy elsewhere. Starlight thought she was one of the strongest, fastest and cleanest engine on the whole of the railway. But one thing bothered her that the fitters forgot to check. Her firebox rattled as it cooled down at night. Starlight knew her rattle stopped the other engines from getting to sleep. That night, Starlight's firebox went click-clunk, click-clunk. Rainbow and Pinkie started to chuckle. “Rattler Starlight's keeping us all awake!” peeped Pinkie. “The only engines keeping other engines awake,” Huffed Starlight crossly, “Are little engines with very bad manners.” But secretly, she felt rather embarrassed. In the morning, Pinkie teased Starlight again. “Rattle-box is awake at last!” she puffed out loud. Starlight ignored Pinkie. She did not like being called names. “I'm the strongest and the best pony engine on this island,” she told herself, “Strongest and best, strongest and best, cleanest and fastest and pull the express. Well when Gordon or Rebecca aren’t pulling it.” She wished the other engines would remember that. Later, Starlight pulled into Knapford Station. “Oh, look,” laughed Applejack, “Rattler Starlight's here! She's pulling the click-clunk express.” This made Gordon very cross indeed...especially because Diesel overheard. “I hope your click-clunk gets better soon,” oiled Diesel, “See you later, rattler!” Starlight was very cross indeed. She decided it was time the other engines learned to treat her properly. So later, at the water tank, she pulled up ahead of Fluttershy. Fluttershy was surprised. At Knapford, Pinkie had brought Starlight's coaches into number one platform. “Off you go now, Pinkie,” said Starlight, “Number one is the platform for big engines. Little engines shouldn't hang around.” “You're a boastful, bossy, big purple boiler!” Pinkie muttered to her crossly. Later, Starlight told her friends to give a polite "toot-toot" whenever they saw her. “But why?” asked Twilight. She was very puzzled. “Because…” huffed Starlight grandly, “I’m the strongest and the best pony engine here.” And she steamed away. “The term is Equestrian Engine!” Twilight called out, but Starlight didn’t hear her. “You can toot at her if you like,” wheeshed Rainbow, “But I'm not going to!” Starlight steamed across the island pulling her own coaches. She felt very pleased with herself. She was sure the other engines would forget her clunk-click and treat her properly now. She saw Rainbow coming. She listened for her toot-toot, but Rainbow didn't toot at all. This made Starlight very cross. She was so cross that she didn't see the signal telling her to stop...and she didn't see the goods train ahead until it was too late. She applied her brakes, but she was too late as she crashed straight into the tankers. Luckily, no one was hurt. But Starlight came off the rails and she was covered in gooey, red jam. “Ohhh the indignity!” she moaned. As Starlight waited to be put back on the rails, Pinkie arrived. Hey Starlight,” she peeped, “I see you're not the cleanest engine anymore!” Then Rarity puffed up. “I don't think you'll be pulling the express for a while, Starlight!” Joked Rarity. Finally, Twilight arrived, “Starlight's a mess, Starlight's a mess, she's the largest and jam-est!” Puffed Thomas cheekily. At last, Starlight was back on the rails. She felt very foolish indeed. Cadence pushed her to the Steamworks. Starlight had to stay at the Steamworks for a long time. It was hard to get the jam out of her engine! Sunset and Rarity took in turns to pull her coaches for her. One evening, at Ponyville Sheds, Sunset huffed... “It's hard work pulling Starlight’s coaches.” “Yes,” huffed Rarity, “I didn’t realized how her job was.” “What is her job anyway?” Pinkie asked, “It was never touched on in Sunset’s chapter and those other two stories that the readers have read.” “It’s a non-stop passenger run from Borrow-In-Furness to Knapford,” Twilight told her. “Oh!” Pinkie replied. “And it’s very hard,” Sunset remarked, “you can only have about a five-minute rest and each end before you have to go out again.” “I miss Starlight,” Fluttershy peeped, “I miss having her rattle to go to sleep by!” Starlight knew the other engines were pulling her coaches for her. “Thank goodness for Sunset and Rarity,” she thought, “I'm sure they're doing a very good job.” Finally, Starlight was as good as new. The fitters had even managed to fix the rattle in her firebox. That evening, Starlight had something to say. “Is it about being fastest and the best?” teased Rainbow. “Not at all,” puffed Starlight, “I knew my rattle kept you awake at night and I'm sorry. And I was also silly about the toot-toots. I realize now that engines toot-toot other engines because they work hard and deserve it, not because they ask for it.” “But we think you do deserve it, Starlight,” said Twilight, “Because you work hard, and you are a really useful engine.” All the other engines agreed. Now all the engines greet each other with a cheerful toot-toot...for all the hard work they do on the Fat Controller's railway. The Fat Controller's engines are proud of how useful they are. It makes them feel important. But none of them feels more important than Starlight. “Watch out!” Starlight wheeshed when Salty rolled up next to her, “You'll get my paint all sooty.” “Pulling truck is a sooty job,” teased Salty, “but then you won’t know.” “Of course not,” Starlight huffed importantly, “Express engines don't pull trucks it wouldn't be dignified.” “Dingyfried?” puzzled Pinkie, “what’s that?” “Dignified,” Starlight corrected, “It means…” “It means that someone's too big for her buffers,” teased Salty. “Pah!” Said Starlight and he puffed away. That evening, fog covered the Island of Sodor. Everything slowed down and soon the docks were packed with waiting trucks. This caused confusion and delay. The Fat Controller came to the sheds. He was in a great hurry. “Applejack, Twilight and Fluttershy,” he said, “You must go to the docks immediately.” “Yes sir,” they whistled. Then the Fat Controller turned to the big purple engine. “You too Starlight,” he said, “I need a big engine to take the trucks where they won't be in the way.” “Truck?!” huffed Starlight, she could not believe what she had heard. Starlight wasn't happy to be pulling trucks. She waited impatiently while they were shunted into place. “Hurry up, hurry up!” chuffed Starlight crossly. “Why the rush Starlight?” asked Twilight. “If I must pull trucks then I'll show Salty how an express engine pulls trucks,” Starlight huffed. “Careful Captain,” Salty tooted, “You don’t want to get too big for your buffers.” But Starlight ignored Salty. The next morning, Starlight raced along with her heavy load. “Now this is how you pull trucks,” she puffed. But the signalman had accidentally left the points switched to the Branch Line. Starlight rattled through the junction. “That's strange,” thought Starlight, “I'm on the Branch Line.” “Oh no!” cried the signalman, “Express trains aren't supposed to go that way.” But it was too late. Starlight had already raced into the distance. The old Branch Line was weak and rusty. There were signs warning all the trains to go slow. But Starlight ignored the signs. “I'm an express engine I don't go slow,” she said, and she went even faster. The Branch Line couldn't take her weight and the rails buckled. “OH HELP!” cried Starlight as she slid of the track, and into a field. “Whoa!” she cried as she ran throw a pile of hay. “AH!” she yelled as she hits some tires making her lose her tender. “Oh no!” she shouted as she closes her eyes and crashes into a barn and rolled out the other end. Finally stopping in a field of mud in front of a scarecrow. No one was hurt, but poor Starlight felt very, undignified. “What will the Fat Controller say?” She groaned. The scarecrow had its arms out like ‘I don’t know’. She found out soon enough. “Well, Starlight,” said the Fat Controller, “You wanted to show Salty a thing or two, and you've certainly done that. You showed him how silly it is to ignore "go slow" signs.” “Sorry sir,” said Starlight, and she let out a sad wheesh of steam. Starlight was soon repaired and back at the docks for work. But she was very unhappy with herself. “Everyone makes mistakes,” said Twilight, “even you.” “Salty's sorry he teased you,” puffed Rarity. “And I'm sorry I was too big for my buffers,” chuffed Starlight, “I promise that I’ll change my attitude to become a better engine.” And all the engines gave a jolly toot even Starlight.