Upgrading the Railway Network

by The Stainmore Phoenix


Chapter 9

Chapter 9

When the humans heard of the challenge, they were beyond words, but Dangersignal reassured them of his plans.

“It sounds like it could be risky, especially with your injuries,” Dylan said.

“It’s not for a while yet,” Dangersignal said. “Anyway, it’s a broken fight.”

“Broken how?” Darryn asked.

“We have the right engines for the tasks and we have knowledge he doesn’t,” Dangersignal chuckled.

“Ah!” Alistair said. “We use what we know to best him!”

“Bingo!” Dangersignal said.

The three princesses and the other ponies were concerned. This was something big and it had a lot riding on it.

“If he loses…” Rainbow Dash squeaked.

“I wouldn’t worry,” Darryn said. “We’ve done this stuff before!”

“Raced a Hot air balloon?” Applejack asked.

“Yes,” Darryn said. “We’ve even raced buses, helicopters, jet planes and many things from where we come from! The fun of it all!”

“However, we don’t need to be smashing any Gresley records!” The other humans and Dragonstorm protested.

The other ponies were confused by the name and how serious Dragonstorm was on that point. However, Dangersignal turned to the humans.

“Didn’t you once say that you knew some people who owned locomotives that they were willing for you to use, if they could find these engines work?” he asked.

“Yes. John and Jarlyn Dunselby, who own an LNER A3 Pacific, #4475; name-Flying Fox. They have two friends, Averie and Zac Mykerson, who own another LNER A3. # 2576; name-The White Knight,” Jordon said. “But they’d never approve of this!”

Dangersignal thought for a minute, then told them that he’d do the explaining. It was his idea and he’d defend it come high waters or death. Everyone just shook their heads and gave a defeated sigh.

“It’s your funeral,” Darryn said.

Dangersignal smiled.

“At least I’d go out with a bang,” he said. “And I’d attempt to prove that my parents and sister are pleased with my decision.”

“This is for your family’s honor?” Applejack asked.

“Yes,” Dangersignal said.

“That makes it different!” Alistair said. “ Jordon, get on to your friends and make sure they fully understand the situation.”

“Right,” Jordon said.

“Dangersignal, you do your healing. Dragonstorm, come with me. I have a planned surprise,” Alistair said. “Rainbow Dash, you stay and help your boyfriend heal up.”

They blushed. When the humans, Princesses and bodyguard left, the other four stayed behind.

“Well, I am not impressed,” the white pony huffed. “You should have told us!”

“Yeah and have Twilight in my business! No thank you Rarity,” Rainbow Dash retorted.

“Can’t you two stow your anger?” Dangersignal said. “I don’t need it right now! Besides, your friends and friends do keep secrets, even secrets about being in love!”

“He has a point, Rarity,” Applejack said. “Besides, if they are in love, all we need is the wedding day.”

“We’re not there yet!” the two protested. “We’re only having our second relationship! We haven’t even begun the plans for engagement!”

The other four laughed and made for the door. Rainbow Dash sighed and carefully hugged her boyfriend, then the two went off to sleep.