Miles was the first person to ever best Omega at Dejarik due to his massive IQ
And he did it in only SIX turns
Live footage of Wrecker's face when he saw:
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Not today Justin

roma★
DEAR READER
Jules of Nature
todays bird

No title available
Show & Tell

No title available
cherry valley forever

if i look back, i am lost
we're not kids anymore.
Game of Thrones Daily
$LAYYYTER

ellievsbear

Discoholic 🪩
No title available
h

Kiana Khansmith
Sade Olutola
seen from Germany
seen from Germany

seen from Türkiye

seen from United States

seen from Singapore

seen from United States
seen from India

seen from United States

seen from Singapore
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from Germany

seen from South Africa
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia

seen from Philippines

seen from Türkiye
seen from Germany

seen from Singapore
@nova-star-05
Miles was the first person to ever best Omega at Dejarik due to his massive IQ
And he did it in only SIX turns
Live footage of Wrecker's face when he saw:
Kion's sickness (A lion guard fanfiction)
Chapter 1: A king's concern
The sun was beginning to set over pride rock signalling the end of another day.
Atop pride rock the lions were tucking into a fresh kill, meanwhile Zazu was on a high rock preening his feathrs, and Timon and Pumbaa were tucking into a massive pile of grubs they'd brought as a ''welcome home'' feast for Simba and Nala.
''Mhmm, smoky with a earth seasoning.'' Timon sighed as he chomped on a mouthful of grubs.
Zuri gagged slightly, looking at the meerkat with visible disgust.
''How can you eat those?'' She asked.
''Hey, you should have seen the way Simba used to eat these back when we were looking after him.'' Pumbaa said.
Simba's eyes immediately widened in horror and he shot his adopted fathers a firm look before they could begin (yet another) embarrassing story about Simba and his VERY unique cubhood.
''Don't. You. Dare.'' He said warningly.
''Oh come Simba. Just one grub.'' Timon said wiggling a grub in front of Simba's nose.
''I think I'll pass.'' Simba said politely.
''Your loss.'' Timon shrugged popping said grub into his mouth.
Safe to say...the lions hadn't shown any interest in the grubs whatsoever.
Not even Simba (who still privately indulged in grubs as a guilty pleasure of sorts) was interested in the grubs tonight.
Right now he only had one thing on his mind as he looked over the lions.
Nala was beside him looking as exhausted as Simba himself felt, Kiara was eating nearby with Tifu and Zuri, Sarafina was sitting nearby with Nuru, Nuru's cub Nia was sitting next to her, blue eyes constantly scanning the horizon.
But no cub with a red mane tuft.
No cub absolutely demolished his portion of food at a speed that constantly worried Simba about choking.
No excited chatter about whatever latest shenanigans Bunga had gotten up to today.
No Kion.
''Has anyone seen Kion?'' Simba asked.
The entire group went silent...even Timon and Pumbaa stopped eating to peer at the cluster of Lions.
Kiara shook her head frowning at her parents.
''Nope. I haven't seen him dad...actually, I've barely seen him all week...'' Kiara said, her voice dripping with barely concealed concern.
Simba and Nala looked at each other and frowned.
''And with you guys finally back from your trip. I honestly thought he'd be here.'' She added.
It was true, Simba and Nala had been out of the pride lands attending a gathering with the leaders of the neighbouring territories.
Meanwhile Kiara had once again been called upon to act as temporary queen, although this time she had Sarafina and Rafiki helping her...things had been hectic in the pridelands for a few weeks now so both parents agreed giving her some extra help may be beneficial.
To her credit Kiara had done amazingly all by herself, but just looking at the way she was half asleep and constantly that she was exhausted.
Kion it seemed, had practically buried himself in his lion guard duties.
Every animal Simba and Nala had come across their entire walk back to pride rock had practically been singing his praises.
Between constant patrols, dealing with threats from the outlands, handling disputes and other small crises...he had no doubt Kion had run himself absolutely ragged.
In fact, now that Simba thought back to it...Kion had looked exhausted before he and Nala left.
Energetic, yet exhausted at the same time.
Still, even at his most exhausted Kion was always back by dinnertime, and if there was one thing Kion loved after a long day (or any day really) it was a nice large meal, and a good long sleep...
...And Kion is always hungry, ALWAYS.
Kion's appetite was practically legendary, even before becoming the lion guard he was everywhere at once, and between racing Fuli, wrestling with Nia, chasing Bunga, constant Lion Guard activities, using the roar and quite frankly tearing through the savannah like a tiny hurricane...it's no wonder he could outeat Timon and Pumbaa on a good day.
Even so, there were still times when Simba was amazed (and perhaps a little afraid) at just how much meat Kion could demolish in a single meal.
Just then there was an amused snort and everyone turned to see Zuri smirking.
''Kion missing dinner? Wow, that's weird even for him.'' She snorted, giggling.
Next to her Tifu also giggled.
''He can't be full surely...he's ALWAYS hungry!'' Tifu added giggling.
It was no secret that Kion and Zuri openly despised one another.
Kion and Tifu got on well enough, they're far from being friends...but they can usually tolerate one another.
Kion and Zuri however..the odds of Janja suddenly becoming a vegetarian and opening a salad bar were higher than the chances of Kion and Zuri ever becoming friends.
In Zuri's opinion Kion is loud, reckless, irrating and a nuisance.
In Kion's opinion Zuri snobby, arrogant, bossy, and ''about as unpleasant as stepping in a thorn bush''.
He used that exact phrase once...within her earshot.
The resulting argument lasted nearly an entire hour.
They could argue worse than Kion and Kiara on their worst days...and THAT'S saying something considering the royal siblings can REALLY go at it when they argue.
At this point the entire pride had a betting pool going on just how long Kion and Zuri could argue for when left unattended...even Simba has contributed to it.
Kiara turned to the pair with a look that could have frozen lava.
''This is serious you two!'' She snapped, a faint growl rumbling in her throat.
Tifu immediately went silent and even Zuri flinched.
Simba immediately grimaced.
Kiara had inherited a lot of positive aspects from both her mother and father.
But unfortunately...she had also inherited both of their tempers combined.
Especially when it came to Kion.
The most recent incident involving Kiara's temper had only happened a couple of weeks ago.
Kion and Nia had been napping together under one of the trees at the watering hole, curled up together and utterly out cold and after spending the afternoon wrestling and playing when their naptime was disturbed by a few older cubs who clearly thought making fun of two sleeping cubs was funny.
They hadn't been laughing when Kiara (who had been sunbathing nearby with Tifu and Zuri) had overhead and immediately stormed over.
By the time Simba, Nala and Zazu heard the commotion and rushed over the older cubs were in tears, meanwhile Kiara stood over them unleashing a stream of extremely colourful language that would have made even Scar flinch.
Zazu had actually fainted when he heard the language coming from the future queen's mouth.
Meanwhile Kion and Nia had just stirred awake having (somehow) managed to sleep through the entire tirade and were both sleepy, confused...and entirely unaware of what they'd managed to sleep through.
''Huh, wha's goin' on?'' Kion had asked blinking blearily, mane tuft a mess from Nia nuzzling it in her sleep.
''Did we miss lunch?'' Nia had asked, still half asleep against Kion..
Simba had honestly been impressed when he heard just how varied Kiara's vocabulary was.
Horrified mostly...but impressed nonetheless.
Nala hadn't been as amused.
Simba's amusement had lasted up until that night...when Nala sat Kiara down and began a very long and very firm lecture about the language she'd used...and Simba had been a victim of that particular lecture too, because it hadn't taken Nala long to figure out exactly where Kiara had picked up such language from and despite what he liked to believe Simba is nowhere near as clean-mouthed as he likes to believe...especially when he thinks no one is listening
Kings above...that lecture felt like it had lasted all night.
And as for where Simba had picked up such an expansive vocabulary...let's just say when Timon and Pumbaa had been raising him he'd heard Timon utter some curses so foul they'd have reduced a whole pack of hyenas to tears.
Perhaps the worst part of that entire lecture had been the fact that Kion was ''sleeping'' nearby having gone to bed.
However judging from the terribly concealed smirk on his son's face, not to mention the snores that sounded suspiciously like muffled laughter it was clear that the little menace had been listening in on the entire lecture...and clearly enjoying every second of it.
To this day Simba still swore he could hear Kion snickering and saying ''Dad's in trouble'' under his breath before letting out another clearly exaggerated snore.
Nala shot her daughter a warning look.
''Kiara.'' She warned, firmly yet gently.
Kiara immediately took a deep breath, her anger dulling back into concern.
Just then Nia got up, the tawny cub approaching the royal family nervously.
''I saw Kion this morning your majesties. He looked tired...really tired.'' She said.
''How come you didn't say anything Nia?'' Kiara asked, looking at her.
''He told me he was fine. That he just had a late night...but he didn't come to see me at the watering hole, we always nap there after lunch.'' She said worriedly.
It was true.
In the few months Nia and her mother had been in Simba's pride (having fled their previous one) Nia and Kion had become impossibly close.
They played together.
They napped together.
They ate near each other.
They sparred together.
And based on the whispers and giggling Simba had witnessed between the two on several occasions...they also plotted mischief together.
They reminded Simba a lot of himself and Nala back when they were cubs...although thankfully despite being mischievous, Kion is still a lot more responsible than Simba had been at his age.
Kings above...Simba had been a menace as a cub...Zazu had once called him a menace to society.
He honestly had no idea how his mother, Timon and Pumbaa had survived raising him.
Mufasa had once jokingly told him ''You'll be the death of me one day son.''.
Even though Scar had been the one to kill his father...Simba still hated how painfully ironic that joke really was in the end.
Shaking his head slightly and shoving those thoughts to one side Simba looked at Nia.
''Did you notice anything strange about Kion's behaviour Nia?'' He asked kindly.
Nia hesitated for a moment clearly nervous about speaking directly to the king, but after a moment he cleared her throat and spoke.
''Just that he's been really tired, your majesty. I woke up to get some water late last night and I saw Kion standing on the ledge, he said he woke up early...but I don't even remember him coming in last night. He promised me he'd have a longer nap with me later...but he never showed up.'' She admitted.
Nuru nodded in agreement.
''The poor dear looked positvly exhausted when I last saw him.'' She said.
Simba frowned at that, then looked at Nia.
''Thank you Nia.'' He said smiling at the lioness.
He then looked at Nala.
''I don't like this Nala. Kion may be capable...but he's still only a year old. Still a cub.'' He said worriedly.
He frowned as he racked his brain, trying to decide what to do next.
''We'll give him a little longer. But if he isn't back soon, I'm going looking for him.'' He said after a few minutes.
Nala immediately nodded in agreement.
''Me too.'' She said.
Bad batch headcannon in my au:
Blasters
Crosshair is a major aesthetic and when the batch got their blasters they decided to customise their pistols so they'd know who's pistols belonged to who (a neccassry requirement considering all of them apart from Wrecker use DC-17 pistols at one point or another)
Hunter's DC-17s have bronze coloured grips
Cobalt's DC-17s have pearl white grips
Crosshair's DC-17s have custom red grips
Tech's DC-17s have oak brown grips
Echo's DC-17's have silver grips
Wrecker's DC-17m also got an oak brown grip (he didn't wanna be left out)
Cute headcannon for Miles Wachowski in my au:
He has a crush on Sami and when she first came to Pabu, it was him who persuaded her to get pink highlights in her hair (she'd seen it and thought it was cool but wasn't sure if she wanted to, but when she did she loved it)
Lightsabers (my star wars Au)
Part 2:
Yoda's lightsaber:
Mace Windu's lightsaber:
Shaak ti's lightsaber:
Plo Koon's lightsaber:
Kelleran Beq's lightsabers:
Jaro Tarpal's lightsaber:
Depa Billaba's lightsaber:
Sari Hawkins' lightsaber:
Eeko-Dio Daki's lightsaber:
Lightsabers (my star wars Au)
Part 1:
Anakin's lightsaber:
Obi-Wan's lightsaber:
Ashoka's lightsabers:
Jacen's lightsaber:
Devon's lightsaber:
Cal's lightsaber:
Caleb's lightsaber:
Ezra's lightsaber:
Ventress lightsaber:
With all the fuckass cameos that'll probably be in Grogu and the Mandalorian or whatever they fucking BETTER have Kallus SOMEWHERE or I'm going to end up on the news.
Ikr, at this point Kallus is like the only main star Wars rebels character who doesn't have a live action appearance (even Kanan has one via a picture in the Ashoka show)
Bad batch modern au
Headcannons Part 1:
Cobalt, Fives and Crosshair are all avid motorcycle owners, Cobalt rescued a used one from being scrapped when he was 16 and repaired it himself, Fives bought his after saving a few paychecks from his first part-time job and 99, Shaak ti and the others all bought Crosshair his as a graduation present when he graduated from school
Nala Se and the batch's father (I ain't spoiling that reveal) weren't married, it was purely an arrangement solely meant to benefit Nala Se and her...research
Every 4th of July they all gather at Cut and Suu's ranch and have a barbecue inviting close friends and family members such as 99 and Shaak ti, Rex, Cody, 17, the Skywalkers, Shep, Lyana, Phee and others
Wrecker is the one who mainly cooks the meat (that man does not mess around with the grill), but also enjoys playing with the kids
Every evening after the barbecue everyone heads down to the beach for the annual fireworks display
As a child 99 and Shaak ti regularly took the boys to the beach where they'd celebrate at the 4th of July at the carnival's regularly thrown at the beach, more than a few times this has ended up with the boys getting stomach aches from eating too much sugar...it's the same story in the future even after they've become adults, only now it's THEIR kids getting the stomach aches
Batcher is a staffordshire bull terrier and she was found abandoned on the side of the road by Crosshair on his way home from work one night...to this day Hunter has NEVER seen Crosshair look as murderous as he did during Batcher's checkup at the vet (seriously, he looked BLOODTHIRSTY)
Everyone loves Batcher (as they should) but no one more than Crosshair, he's always spoiling her with lots of treats and toys
Batcher became Crosshair's service dog after she was adopted
Multiple members of the family suffer from some sort of mental health issue, to name a few...Miles, Omega and Crosshair all suffer from anxiety and depression due to their less than ideal pasts, Maria and Maverick suffer from severe guilt due to not being able to protect Miles' from their family's scorn, Tech is autistic and also a chronic workaholic...and also a severe perfectionist (it was worse when he was a kid, but it's still bad even as an adut)
Cobalt's blue eyes are inherited from Nala Se and are near identical, only differing a bit in shape...there was a brief time not long after their adoption that Crosshair actually was actively lasing out at Cobalt for his blue eyes as they were a trigger for his trauma...this was eventually resolved rather quickly as it was greatly upsetting both boys
At first after being adopted by Cobalt and Martha and entering school Miles' mental health was an absolute mess, he'd constantly do nothing but read or study for school (not even interacting with other kids), constantly study late into the night and fall asleep at his desk...or not sleep at all (which resulted in him actually falling asleep in class more than once)
Miles once went missing for three days after failing a test at school...by now his issues with his inferioty complex had begun spiralling out of control...he would have probably done something really stupid like leave town had Crosshair not discovered him and (after a very emotional talk) brought him home...this incident was the final nail in the coffin for getting Miles in therapy, this actually became a very odd bonding moment for Miles and Crosshair (though Crosshair threatened if Miles that if he ever did anything as stupid as that again, he'd drag him home kicking and screaming)
Wrecker is easily the best cook in the family, followed by Echo, then Cobalt
Crosshair, Tech, Trix and Fives are decent cooks...Hunter CAN'T cook to save his life and is only allowed to do the dishes
Hunter is prone to severe migraines when he gets too overstimulated, they aren't as bad as they were when he was a kid, but on bad days can still be overwhelming
Crosshair takes Omega, Boba, Jacen and Maria for Starbucks whenever he's the one who picks them up, and when he's the one who has to pick up James, Miles and Maverick he takes them for ice cream (because despite his tough guy reputation, he loves to SPOIL those kids)
When Crosshair picks up the kids Batcher is often there (this once caused an incident when Batcher was still a puppy and she jumped out the car, and all the kids wanted to pet her...safe to say she LOVED the attention)
Crosshair was incredibly nervous about coming out to 99 and Shaak ti (cause 99 and Shaak ti were obviously born during the time that sort of thing was frowned up)
When Omega was nervous about coming out to Hunter, Crosshair was actually her biggest supporter (not wanting her to have the same nerves he did)
Crosshair likes to act all tough and grumpy, but in reality he's a massive softie
Wrecker has vertigo, hence why he's afraid of heights
Wrecker works for the police as a bomb disposal expert (that's also how he got his scars and how his eye got damaged)
Bad Batch Modern Au: Favourite Disney Movies
Hunter: Wreck it Ralph
Tech: Big Hero 6
Cobalt: The Lion King
Wrecker: Lilo and Stitch
Echo: Beauty and the beast
Crosshair: Mulan (though he'll never admit it(
Phee: Robin Hood
Katie: Cinderella
Martha: Snow White
Omega: The Little Mermaid
Boba: The jungle book (he absolutely won't admit it)
James: The Lion King
Jacen: Peter Pan
Miles: Elio
Maverick: Aladdin
Bad Batch Modern Au Headcannon: Lula
Lula is a stuffed cat plushie gifted to Trix by his biological mother and the plushies namesake Lula Dallas.
When Trix was taken in by 99 he kept the plush close and by the time the Se siblings had been taken in he had largely grown out of the plush but still kept her
When he first joined the fett family Wrecker had trouble sleeping at night so Trix gifted him to Wrecker to help him sleep, Wrecker becoming her primary owner. Additionally she was also passed around between the other brothers when they were sick or just had a bad guy.
In the modern days Lula still has the same role and is regularly shared between the other kids, examples include Omega when she was taken in by the family and the fierce court battle that resulted in Hunter becoming her guardian, Miles and helping him during the constant panic attacks he had when he first started school, and James after his father died
Bad Batch Modern Au: First Crushes
Hunter: Jodie Foster
Trix: Elizabeth Shue
Fives: Kate Capshaw
Echo: Jennifer Coolidge
Wrecker: Michelle Pfieffer
Cobalt: Courtney Cox
Tech: Sigourney Weaver
Crosshair: Val Kilmer
Katie: Micheal J Fox
Phee: Tom Cruise
Martha: Ryan Reynolds
Omega: Kirsten Dunst
Maria: Peter Ostrum
James: Emma Watson
Miles: Mara Wilson
Maverick: Evanna Lynch
Boba: Sarah Michelle Gellar
Jacen: Isabela Moner
The North Western Chronicles
Episode 2: Little engines can do big things
It had now been two weeks since Thomas arrived on the Island of Sodor and the little tank engine was fitting into island life better than expected.
After his first day of shunting at Barrow Thomas had been shown the yard at Tidmouth and he and Edward spent the first few days shunting the yard, assembling construction and maintenance trains for the other engines.
After a few days Thomas was capable enough to handle the yard by himself and he did so splendidly.
One morning Edward rolled into the yard pulling a rake of coaches behind him, they were orange bogie coaches and looked incredibly sturdy.
''Hello Thomas. How's it going on here then?'' Edward asked with a smile.
''It's going great! I really think I've gotten the hang of this.''Thomas smiled.
''That's good to hear...I must say, you've certainly got this place running smoothly.'' Edward said.
Thomas smiled, then he saw the coaches behind Edward.
''Are those the new passenger coaches Toppham mentioned yesterday?'' He asked.
''Indeed they are, freshly built at Crovan's Gate.'' Edward smiled.
''They're pretty...I wish I could pull them. It'd be great to just go rolling down the line and watching the countryside fly by...I want to see the world one day Edward.'' Thomas smiled.
Edward chuckled.
''Well Thomas, one day I'm sure you will...now where do you want these coaches?" Edward asked.
''Just over there...I'll shunt them into the carriage shed once I'm done here.'' Thomas said looking at one of the sidings.
Edward smiled and went to put the coaches there.
That night:
The engines were all resting in their berths at the shed when Toppham arrived.
''Hello engines.'' He smiled.
''Hello sir.'' The engines all replied in unison.
''First of all, Thomas you've been doing a splendid job organizing the yard.'' Toppham said.
''Thank you sir.'' Thomas smiled.
''Now then...with our new coaches finally completed we can begin running passenger trials from here to Barrow, as these are trials we'll not be accepting passengers...however you will be stopping at the stations, Nathaniel and I have been in talks about how our new operations will work and we've drafted new timetable that will suit both the North Western railway and the Sodor Furness and Carlisle railways fairly.'' Toppham said
He looked at Edward Crovan and Tilly.
''Now then, you three will run the first series of passenger trials while Winston, Thomas, Jack and Jake focus on the construction work, then Winston, Jack and Jake will switch with you, that way we know all the mainline coaches will function correctly.'' He said.
He looked at Glynn, Neil, Clive and Matthew.
''Now then you four, with the stations at Maithwaite and Hackenbeck finished trial runs on the Ffarqhuar branch can also begin trial runs on the Ffarqhuar branch with the new coaches...likewise with Nathaniel I've discussed the schedule with Mr Anpopha, that way we can run the increased passenger trains on the line and Lady can pull her Stone trains without issue.'' Toppham said.
''Sir.'' Thomas said confused.
''Yes Thomas?'' Toppham asked looking at him.
''Who's Lady?'' Thomas asked confused.
Clive then grinned.
'Oh that's right...you wouldn't know who she is.'' He said.
Neil then spoke.
''Lady's the private engine of the Anpopha stone quarry laddie...I think you'd like her a lot.'' Neil said.
Neil is indeed correct, when the Knapford, Elsbridge and Ffarqhuar light railway was founded in 1902 a small line running from the Anpopha stone quarry to Ffarqhuar was constructed and the Anpopha stone quarry ordered an industrial tank engine from Kitson and Co.
At that time Crovan's Gate works was still building engines, however they specialized in large mainline tender and tank engines, the only industrial tank engine they've ever built was Lexi of the Wellsworth and Suddery railway, and even then she was built to work at the Brendam clay pits...a much younger industry than the stone quarry.
Lady was designed by designer Burnett Stone and built in 1903 and arrived on Sodor that same year where she quickly made herself at home on the line...and safe to say, all her colleagues liked h
The following day passenger trials began on the mainline...however, there would be issues...major issues.
Vicarstown:
Tilly had stalled at the platform, steam billowing from her frame...and she had a horrible pain in her tanks.
Toby puffed over from the yard and looked at her worriedly.
Tilly! What's wrong?'' He asked worriedly.
''I don't know...I really don't feel good...I think it's...boiler ache.'' She said.
Toby grimaced sympathetically and coupled up behind her coaches.
''C'mon...let's get you to the works and get you looked over.'' He said.
That night:
The engines (minus Tilly) were all at Tidmouth sheds, Toppham was discussing the situation with Tilly to them.
''Now then, as I'm sure you're all aware Tilly has been sent to the works...she's fine other than a bad case of boiler ache and a few of her parts being more worn than they should be...however she's going to be in the works for two weeks and that means we have a problem...the coach trials are scheduled in such a way that three engines are needed to keep to their current timetable...and with Thomas and Toby needed in the yards and the rest of you needed on the construction trains and the Ffarqhuar line we can't spare anyone...therefore John has lent me one of his engines to help out...Miles to be specific.'' Toppham said.
A mass of groans and indignant complaints immediately rose from the shed.
''The peacock himself!'' Crovan groaned
''Why...oh why him!'' Jack groaned.
''You've got to be joking.'' Winston muttered under his breath.
Toppham firmly held up his hand to silence them.
''Silence!'' He boomed firmly.
The complaints immediately died down.
Toppham sighed and looked at them.
''Look...I know Miles is...Miles I guess. But he volunteered to help us...and considering he's already running his express trains and also troop trains on top of that I think we should all be extremely grateful for his help...no one asked him to volunteer, but he did. However, don't think for a moment I'll tolerate his attitude, I've already warned him he needs to be on his best behavio and he's promised me he will be...and I believe him. He may be a boastful engine, but he's also a really useful engine.'' Toppham said.
''That may be true sir...but don't expect me to like it.'' Crovan said.
The other engines all murmured in agreement.
Deciding not to comment on that Toppham looked at Thomas.
''Thomas, Miles will be hauling the first train out of Tidmouth tomorrow morning and you'll need to fetch his coaches for him, he'll be arriving from Carlilse and will need them quickly so he can be at Barrow in time for his next troop train.'' Toppham said.
''Yes sir.'' Thomas said.
The next morning however there was a problem, Thomas was struggling to wake up...his fire went out and refused to burn for long.
Thomas yawned, blinking blearily as he tried to keep his eyes open.
Winston winced sympathetically at the little black engine as he puffed out the shed to fetch his construction train.
''You need to wake up Thomas, Miles will be waiting for his coaches .'' He said.
Evantually Thomas' fire roared to life and his eyes shot open in alarm.
''Oh dear! Must get going...must get going!'' He exclaimed, puffing out the shed and towards the yard.
A couple of minutes later he was shunting the coaches into the platform at Tidmouth.
Miles was there...and just from the scowl on his face Thomas could tell he was in a FOUL mood.
Well...right now he is too.
''HURRY UP YOU!'' Miles snapped impatiently, he's supposed to be leaving in a LITERAL minute...and he DESPISES being late.
''Hurry up yourself.'' Thomas huffed.
An evil smirk formed on Miles' face as a wicked idea surged into his smokebox.
''Yes...I will.'' He smirked as he was coupled up to the coaches.
The staff at the station typically uncouple shunters from the coaches so they don't get dragged along...that wouldn't be the case this time however.
Miles started off so fast there was no time to uncouple Thomas.
''Whoa!''Thomas yelped as he shot forward at a terrifying speed.
Seconds later Miles had left Tidmouth far behind and was cruising down the mainline.
''STOP! STOP!'' Thomas exclaimed.
Miles just laughed.
''Come on! Keep up!'' He taunted.
Miles shot down the line, not even at top speed...but it was FAR too fast for Thomas.
Poor Thomas was going faster than he'd ever gone before, he could feel his wheels aching and his side rods creaking in protest.
Miles continued speeding down the line.
''STOP! STOP!'' Thomas yelled again, pleading this time...desperate for the ordeal to end.
Miles laughed as he sped down the line, not even hearing Thomas...or maybe he just didn't care.
''Hurry hurry hurry!'' Miles exclaimed joyfully
Thomas saw Edward passing by on the other line, heading back to Tidmouth with a rake of coaches.
''EDWAAARD!'' Thomas cried out in terror.
''Thomas!'' Edward exclaimed slamming his breaks on in shock.
Thomas let out a noise that may have been a whine or a sob as Miles went even faster...even he couldn't tell what it was.
Miles blew his whistle twice as he thundered down the line, loud and proud as always.
''Fastest engine on Sodor coming through!'' He eclaimed.
He rounded the bend and pulled into Knapford station, the junction station between the Ffarqhuar line and the mainline.
He gently eased to a stop at the platform, making sure the coaches (and Thomas) would come to a smooth stop at the platform.
''The train at platform 1 is the 8:17 service to Barrow in Furness.'' The PA system announced.
As he rolled to a full stop at the platform Miles glanced at the time.
8:16AM...A full minute early.
''Oh yes.'' Miles grinned proudly.
Thomas was uncoupled from the coaches...he was exhausted, panting hard to catch his breath.
''Well little Thomas, that was certainly a thrill for you wasn't it?'' Miles teased before pulling out of the station and heading for Barrow.
Thomas didn't say anything in response as Miles disappeared from sight...he just backed up to the water tower, and had a long drink.
He heard a frantic whistle and suddenly Edward appeared and braked sharply next to him.
''Thomas! Are you alright!'' He exclaimed.
''I'm...alright.'' Thomas panted, barely able to get those two words out.
''I saw Miles pulling you behind his coaches. What happened, little one?'' Edward asked.
''He started up so fast...I wasn't uncoupled...he was going so fast Edward.'' Thomas said, his voice shaking.
What Thomas didn't see was the scowl forming on Edward's face, not just anger....PURE RAGE.
Later that afternoon Miles rolled back into Tidmouth, he had a break before his next train out of Tidmouth and was eager to enjoy every moment of it.
What he didn't expect to see was Edward on the turntable...and HE LOOKED FURIOUS
Without warning Edward moved forward and gave Miles a sharp bump, not hard...but enough to move him back a few inches.
''You silly great engine! Do you have any idea how reckless that was!'' Edward exclaimed furiously, literally shaking with rage.
''Pardon?'' Miles asked.
''You know damm well what I'm talking about.'' Edward said in a low voice.
Miles then remembered.
''Oh yes...Thomas.'' Miles said.
He then looked at Edward.
''I don't know what the fuss is about Edward...it's not like I damaged him. I know what I'm doing.'' Miles said stiffly.
''THAT'S PRECISELY THE POINT!'' Edward suddenly thundered and Miles actually blinked in shock, he had only ever heard Edward use that tone once before.
Edward wasn't done...not even close.
''You're a fast engine Miles, and a strong one too! You've been serving this island since 1896 and you should know far better than using your strength and strength to enforce discipline...I know you were stressed and I know Thomas was underperforming that morning, but Thomas wasn't trying to make you late on purpose, he'd literally just woken up...now I'm not going to debate who's fault this entire debacle was...because you are BOTH to blame...yes Thomas shouldn't have snapped back...but YOU shouldn't have provoked him in the fast place!'' Edward snapped.
He then paused when he saw Miles looking ashamedly at his buffers.
It's not at all an easy challenge to make Miles look like that, only himself, Hosea and Nathaniel Matthews had managed that in the nineteen years Miles had been alive.
Edward sighed.
''Miles...I know you're a better engine than this. Hosea told me about that incident with Felix.'' Edward said.
''He did?'' Miles asked.
''Yes. He did.'' Edward said.
Carlilse July 1914:
Hosea had been parked at the platform with a passenger train bound for Brendam when he heard a voice.
''OI! MOVE IT YOU RUST BUCKET!'' A voice bellowed, so loud it echoed around the station and yard.
Miles (who had been asleep in the shed at the time) puffed out and saw a large red LNWR 4-6-0 Claughton engine yelling at a small green shunter from the NER.
Hosea saw it too.
The poor shunter was clearly overwhelmed and exhausted...he'd been up since dawn shunting in the yard and was long overdue for a break.
Hosea was just about to intervene when a whistle ran out, long, loud...and ENRAGED.
Miles immediately steamed over, red in the face and a scowl on his face...but he wasn't glaring at the shunter.
He was glaring at the claughton.
Because for all his bluster, all his boasting and all his arrogance...Miles has NEVER treated a shunter like they're nothing.
Yes he barks orders at them, yes he believes he's better than them...and he DEFINITELY thinks being the bigger engine makes him the most useful...but he never belittles an engine for doing their job, especially not to the level this other engine currently is.
Miles may be a big, powerful express engine...but for all his boasting he respects the work even the smallest engines do.
That already put him above most other express engines Hosea had met over the years.
''Right! What's going on here?'' Miles demanded, steam wheeshing in irritation.
The claughton smirked, thinking Miles was on his side.
''Finally, another fellow express engine. Dear fellow, would you mind telling this runt to shove off...he's in my way.'' The claughton said.
Miles glared at him.
''Really...because from what I can see you're terrorizing an engine who's just trying to do his job.'' Miles snapped.
The claughton blinked in surprise, as did the shunter...he hadn't expected Miles of all engines to jump to his defence.
The claughton then scowled at Miles.
''I beg your pardon, we express engines are supposed to stick together.'' The claughton snapped.
Miles was getting annoyed.
''Maybe so...what's your name?'' Miles asked.
''Felix.'' The claughton replied haughtily.
''Maybe so Felix, but I won't stand by and watch you bully another engine. This engine has been up since before either of us and he's been working his bunker off since! You pride yourself on being all speed and strength...if you really wanna challenge someone then challenge me!'' Miles snapped..
Felix's mouth fell open...no one had ever challenged him like that before.
''...What?'' He asked stunned.
''You heard me...if you wanna pick on an engine then pick on me. We can race to Crewe right now...just you and me.'' Miles challenged.
Felix was silent...he didn't know what to say to that.
Miles smirked at that.
'''That's more like it.....now shove off.'' Miles ordered.
Felix wordlessly steamed out of Carlilse and began heading down the line.
The shunter had tears in his eyes...so did Hosea, but they were tears of pride.
Miles looked at the shunter, his expression much softer.
''Are you alright?'' He asked.
The shunter nodded, not sure how else to respond.
''Why don't you go have a break...I'll take over for a little while, you need a nap far more than I do.'' Miles said.
The shunter just gave a weak smile and reversed into the berth Miles had previously occupied, while Miles headed into the yard.
Tidmouth 1915:
Edward then gave Miles that firm look again.
''Now listen here Miles. I want you to go into that yard right now and apologize to Thomas...this little incident will remain between the three of us. But I'm warning you...if I hear about another incident like this, I'll be telling both our controllers immediately. Is that clear?'' Edward demanded.
''Yes Edward.'' Miles said solemnly.
''There's a good engine...now off with you.'' Edward said firmly, but not unkindly.
Miles nodded and quickly reversed into the yard to look for Thomas, leaving Edward to reverse back into the shed, looking quite pleased with himself.
Miles apologized to Thomas and to his credit he seemed to genuinely mean it.
For the rest of Miles' time helping the NWR engines he was indeed on his best behaviour...however the day before Tilly was due to return he was called back to the SFCR as Caleb had broken down following struggling with the increasing express and troop trains.
That left the NWR an engine short, and it couldn't have been at a worse time as the board of directors and the Duke of Sodor himself were due to ride on one of the trial trains...so Toppham had to resort to desperate measures.
Thomas had just finished shunting one of the utility trains into Tidmouth when Toppham rushed over looking frantic.
''Thomas! We have a situation!'' Toppham said, looking urgent.
''What's wrong sir?'' Thomas asked.
''We don't have an engine available to pull the board train! Miles was supposed to but John's just called him back...I'm afraid you'll have to do it.'' Toppham said.
Thomas looked uncertain.
''Sir? Are you you sure...I've never pulled a passenger train before.'' Thomas said.
''I know...and I don't want to force you into this Thomas, but you're literally the only engine available.'' Toppham said.
''I'd love to sir!'' Thomas exclaimed eagerly, excitement immediately replacing his nervousness.
''That's a good engine. Now then, go over to platform one and we'll be boarding shortly.'' Toppham said.
Thomas blew his whistle and went to top up on coal and water before heading out.
After that Thomas quickly puffed back into the station and over to platform 1 where Toppham and several men in fancy looking suits were waiting.
''So this is the new tank engine then?" A tall man in a dark suit and a well trimmed moustache asked looking at Thomas.
''Indeed. Gentlemen, this is Thomas. The new shunter at Tidmouth...he'll be taking us to Lancaster and back.'' Toppham said.
''Good to meet you sir..um sirs.'' Thomas said, trying to hide his nerves as he smiled shyly at the men.
There were several polite nods and murmurs from the board members as they glanced briefly at Thomas then turned their attention to Toppham.
Thomas' attention was focused squarely on the line heading out of Tidmouth...towards the mainland...towards adventure.
Back home in Brighton his cousin Stepney had pulled many a train back home and had told Thomas lots of stories about his travels.
Now he was going to pull a train just like the ones his cousin had pulled...and for the board of directors no less.
A whistle echoed through the station and Thomas blew his whistle and moved forward.
What Thomas didn't know however was that this whistle wasn't for him...it was for Winston.
Winston had been at the other platform and was currently departing with the utility train Thomas had shunted into the station only a few minutes previously.
Thomas didn't see him however, and to make matters worse...he wasn't coupled up to his coaches.
He was running light engine down the mainline, completely unaware he'd just left his entire train behind.
Thomas puffed along the mainline, black paint gleaming in the sunlight and steam billowing from his funnel and into the sky.
Thomas laughed joyfully as trees and houses flew past in a blur.
Thomas saw Crovan approaching in the distance and whistled happily at him.
''Thomas? I thought you were working in the yard!'' Crovan called as they passed each other.
''Can't you see I'm pulling coaches Crovan?!'' Thomas called happily.
Crovan frowned in confusion.
Thomas puffed along, completely oblivious to the lack of coaches behind him.
He eventually saw a red signal in front of him and a workman in front.
''Oh bother, a red signal! I was doing so well too...what a nuisance signals are.'' Thomas said as he slowed to a stop.
The signalman approached Thomas.
''Hello Thomas, what brings you out here then?'' He asked kindly.
''I'm pulling my very first passenger train.'' Thomas replied happily.
''Really? Then where are your coaches then?'' The signalman asked confused.
Thomas looked back...and his eyes went as wide as plates and he let out a loud gasp of horror.
''OH NO! I left my coaches behind!'' He exclaimed.
At Tidmouth:
Toppham was trying to calm the board of directors who were NOT happy at what had happened.
''Gentlemen please! He's only a young engine...I assure you this is a simple accident.'' Toppham said, trying to calm the group of men currently glaring daggers at him.
Just then there was a whistle and Thomas reversed back into the station...looking very embarrassed.
''I'm so sorry sir.'' He said apologetically.
Toppham sighed, his tone a mixture of exhaustion and sympathy.
''It's my own fault Thomas...I should have told you to wait until you were coupled up. Let's just not waste anymore time.'' Toppham said.
Thomas just nodded.
This time Thomas waited for everyone to board the coaches, and for the coaches to be coupled up to him.
''Ready?'' Thomas asked, looking at the stationmaster nervously.
''Yes Thomas, you're ready to go now.'' He nodded.
With that Thomas blew his whistle and steamed towards Lancaster....thankfully with his train this time.
Tidmouth that night:
The engines were howling with laughter, by now the story of Thomas' train had reached all of them...safe to say they found it HILARIOUS.
Even Edward was laughing, though he stopped when he saw the miserable and embarrassed look on Thomas' face.
''I'm glad you came to work on our railway lad! You always give us something funny to laugh about.'' Winston said as he tried (and failed) to keep his composure.
Thomas sighed miserably.
''Sir Toppham Hatt will never let me pull coaches again.'' He sighed. ''But I want to go places and pull trains, I want to...''
''See the world!'' Winston and Crovan exclaimed in unison before bursting into rounds of laughter again.
Thomas sighed again.
''Alright, that's enough everyone.'' Edwards said firmly looking at the others.
He looked at Thomas.
''Don't be sad Thomas. I think you'll be a really useful engine one day...you're still learning after all.'' Edward said softly.
''You really think so Edward?'' Thomas asked.
Edward chuckled.
''Yes Thomas I do...now let's get some sleep, it's been a long day.'' Edward said.
With that the laughter died down and all the engines went to sleep.
SFCR sheds, Brendam:
Hosea stirred awake when he heard the sounds of weak puffing in the yard.
He scanned the berths and saw Jones, Jesse, Samuel, Adam and Colin asleep in the berths.
Hosea knew it wasn't Caleb as he'd been taken to Crovan's Gate works by Lily.
Lily, Jacen and Stephen are starting in the sheds at Carlilse, and Charlie, Benson, Samson and Whiff are sleeping at the sheds in Waterton.
So that just left...Miles.
Miles reversed into his berth and Hosea grimaced.
He looked....terrible.
His eyes were barely open, his wheels were creaking and steam was billowing weakly from his funnel.
''Miles Lad...ye look exhausted.'' Hosea said.
''Mmm.'' Miles hummed, barely conscious.
''When was the last time ye slept a full night Miles?'' Hosea asked.
''....been busy.'' Miles mumbled, blinking rapidly, clearly trying to keep his eyes open.
Hosea frowned...understatement of the freaking century.
Miles had been working express trains, troops trains and helping with the NWR's coach trials on top of those.
That's more work than any one engine should be able to do by himself.
''Miles...ye need to take a breath lad. You're running yourself into the ground.'' Hosea said.
''I can...handle it.'' Miles replied, yawning midway through his sentence.
''Ye can't lad..just look at yourself.'' Hosea said.
''Mmm...fine....'' Miles mumbled, his voice trailing off into yet another yawn.
''Ye definitely ain't...now sleep, I mean it.'' Hosea ordered.
''....not tried.'' Miles said stubbornly, clearly planning on staying awake.
That immediately changed when Miles' crew pulled out the polish cloths.
Ever since Miles had been a brand new engine back in 1896 his crew had always polished him before he went to sleep.
Now that may sound like vanity (and to be fair part of it probably is)...but it's more than that, the smell of the polish helps Miles sleep, calms him in a sense.
''Ye are lad...and you'll reach your breaking point eventually.'' Hosea said.
Miles didn't reply...he was already fast asleep.
Hosea wasn't wrong of course, Miles worked himself hard over the next few days.
His workload was already heavy on its own, but now that Caleb had broken down he was now responsible for both his and brother's work, thankfully Tilly had returned to the North Western the day after Caleb's breakdown so he wasn't needed there anymore, but he still had a lot of work to do.
Eventually it all came to a head a week later when he broke down at Vicarstown...leaving the SFCR with both it's express engines broken down.
Vicarstown:
Neil (who had been there to help Toby) was next to Miles on the mainline, looking at the young engine who was being inspected by a workman after coming to a stop at the platform with his express.
''Nope, your valve gear's completely shot Miles. It'll need to be completely replaced.'' The workman said, shaking his head sympathetically.
Miles groaned audibly.
''Well that's just great! Looks like I won't be pulling anymore coaches today.'' He said.
Neil shot the younger engine a firm scowl.
''Hosea warned you to take it easy Miles! Don't exert yourself he said...but you young engines think you're invincible!'' Neil snapped.
Miles rolled his eyes.
''Thanks for the words of wisdom grandad...you got any on how to move an express train when an engine's down, and the other's still in the works.'' Miles shot back.
''Yep. Pray for a miricale.'' Neil said.
''You rang!'' A voice called.
The two looked up as a familiar red engine appeared with a rake of coaches behind him.
It was Winston, hauling a rake of coaches behind him...clearly returning from a trial run to Lancaster.
''Woah! What happened here?'' He asked worriedly.
''Miles' valve gear...again.'' Miles' driver said.
Neil immediatly took charge.
''Alright listen up you lot, we cant dilly dally right now. Winston take, Miles' train to Carlilse. Toby, take Miles to Crovan's Gate...I'll take over here until you're back.'' He ordered.
He then looked at the Vicarstown stationmaster, who'd just come out his office.
''Daniel, Miles has broken down...I need you to phone ahed and tell the signalman to expect Winston pulling Miles' coaches, and call Brendam and tell them about Miles.'' He said.
No one said anything...they just nodded and got to work.
Soon everything was sorted and Toby began shunting Miles to Crovan's Gate, meanwhile Winston had shunted his coaches into a siding and after being turned around, immediately began heading to Carlilse.
Crovan's Gate:
At Crovan's Gate Caleb was having his final checks done before he could go back to Brendam.
He looked up in surprise as Neil shunted Miles in the maintenance shed next to him, then puffed off back to Vicarstown.
''Miles?!'' Caleb exclaimed, surprised to see him.
''Not. A. Word.'' Miles ground out.
Caleb arched an eyebrow.
''Miles, seriously mate...you look wrecked.'' Caleb said, glancing at his twin.
Miles sighed, wether from exhaustion or misery even he didn't know.
''I feel it too.'' He replied.
The workman continued inspecting Miles.
''Jesus Miles, your valve gears completely packed in...you're lucky it wasn't worse.'' The foreman said, wiping his forehead with a rag.
''I had it handled.'' Miles replied grouchily
''No. You didn't.'' A firm voice said.
Miles Caleb and the workmen all looked up as a man in a dark coat stepped into the workshop.
Every man (and engine) present immediately knew who this man was.
John Weddle, controller of the Sodor, Furness and Carlilse railway.
''Sir...what are you doing here?'' Caleb asked.
''I came to see you Caleb, I hear you're good to go?'' John asked.
''Yes sir, they're just finishing the final checks now.'' Caleb said.
''Good, we need you back.'' John smiled patting Caleb's running board.
He then turned to Miles.
''...and as for you Miles! I'm sorry.'' John said.
Miles arched an eyebrow in confusion.
''Sir?'' He asked, confused.
John held up a hand and Miles went quiet.
''I should have done something about this sooner...'' John began.
''Sir, with all due respect. We are in a war, workloads are expected to be heavy.'' Miles said.
''Yes, but I'm thinking before the war.'' John said.
Miles looked confused, so John continued.
''When I became the controller in 1912 and we shifted our business from the White Star Line to Cunard and the workload increased...I didn't think about how it would affect the two express engines the railway owned, and it took me this long to realize how bad things would, and have gotten...and for that, I'm sorry.'' John sad.
''It's alright sir.'' Miles said.
John nodded.
''Thank you...but that brings us back to the major issue, I've already ordered an engine from the mainland...'' John said.
Caleb looked at John in surprise.
''Can we afford that sir?'' He asked
''Barely...but we need the helpurgently.'' John said.
''So you're replacing me.'' Miles muttered.
John heard him.
''No Miles, I'm getting you and Caleb the help you've been needing for a while now.'' John said.
''Okay sir.'' Miles said, though he still sounded miserable.
John patted Miles' running board.
''Get some rest Miles, you've earned it.'' He said, before heading over to Caleb and climbing into his cab, and with that Caleb headed back to Brendam, leaving Miles alone in the shed.
Safe to say Miles' breakdown would put him out of commission for a few weeks, in addition to his valve gear being damaged he additionally needed to have several severely worn parts replaced, meaning he'd be in the works even longer than expected.
John immediately worked on spreading the workload more evenly amongst the rest of his engines, including having Hosea help Caleb on the express...and while it had been a few years since Hosea had pulled an express at this point, he still did remarkably well.
However it wasn't perfect, as the war kept escalating...so did the workload.
A couple of days before the new engine Hosea suddenly woke up with steaming issues, and while he hadn't broke down he definitely wouldn't be able to pull the first express out of Brendam.
Caleb was pulling the express out of Carlilse, Miles was still in the works, Colin couldn't be taken away from the yard, Samuel, Simon and Stephen were pulling goods trains, Lily was helping the East Sudrian engines, Adam, Jacen, Jesse and Jones were already taking passenger trains...it had come to this.
Tidmouth:
Thomas and Tilly were both at the shed when Toppham and John arrived.
''Thomas, Tilly...I'm sorry for disrupting the two of you, but it's urgent.'' Toppham said.
''What's wrong sir?'' Tilly asked.
''To put it bluntly...all of my engines are overworked to the brink right now, and with Miles broken down, the new engine is still not here and my fleet is already busy with work, we need help getting the express out of Brendam and to Carlilse.'' John said.
Thomas and Tilly both looked at John as though he'd grown a second head.
''Sir...with all due respect. What you're proposing is absolutely ludicrous...and why me and Thomas of all engines?'' Tilly asked.
''Because Tilly, Edward, Crovan and Winston are busy with the construction effort, as our most powerful engines they can pull the larger construction trains, therefore increasing the amount of work that can be done in a single trip.'' Toppham said.
''Besides we're only asking you to do it one time, Hosea's steam issues aren't major and he'll be back at work by lunchtime...however, I do believe you have a point. Two engines alone probably won't cut it.'' John said.
''What about Lady? She doesn't pull passengers, only trains from the quarry...maybe she can help.'' Thomas suggested.
Toppham and John looked at each other before nodding.
''A very good idea Thomas, I'll contact Mr Anoptha. Now then, I want you both to fill right up on both coal and water...you're going to need it.'' Toppham said.
''Yes sir!'' Thomas and Tilly exclaimed in unison.
Soon both engines had filled their tanks and were puffing along the line to Wellsworth (so they could turn around and head to Brendam) and SFCR territory.
Tilly noticed Thomas was rather quiet.
''Thomas, are you alright?'' Tilly asked.
''Tilly...you heard about what happened with the board train right?'' Thomas asked.
''Yes, I heard. Thomas, that was an accident...that's not going to happen here.'' Tilly said.
''But, what if...'' Thomas began.
Tilly suddenly cut him off with that firm motherly tone she seemed to love using on Thomas.
''Thomas, listen to me...you're a young engine, you'll make mistakes...that's just the way of line, no one's perfect. The important thing is that you learn from those mistakes, and you've learned...haven't you?'' Tilly asked.
''Yeah.'' Thomas said meekly.
''Then you won't make that mistake again, just trust yourself and everything'll go alright.'' Tilly said.
''Okay.'' Thomas nodded.
Brendam:
Colin was shunting a passenger train into the station for Jesse when he heard two engines puffing behind him.
He looked and saw Thomas and Tilly pulling into the station.
''Tilly, and...Thomas right?" Colin asked looking at them.
''Hello Colin, and yes this is Thomas. Say hello Thomas.'' Tilly instructed gently.
''Hello Colin.'' Thomas said politely.
''Good to meet you Thomas. Tilly can you shunt the express coaches for me, I'm worked off my wheels here?'' Colin asked.
''Of Course Colin, just show me what siding they're in.'' Tilly said.
As the two engines disappeared into the yard Thomas took in his surroundings.
Brendam was hectic with engines puffing and whistling, workmen shouting and giving orders, passengers bustling into the 4 platformed stations...a large crane barking orders as he lifted crates on and off of ships.
He was broken out of his thoughts by a mall, but powerful whistle.
He looked and saw a small purple and gold tank engine puffing into the yard, looking remarkably calm despite the hustle and bustle around her...was it his imagination, or did his face suddenly get warmer.
The engine smiled up at him.
''Hello there, you must be Thomas.'' She said.
Thomas' mouth opened but no sound came out, he tried again but all that came out was a very weak ''Hello''.
''I'm Lady, what's your name?'' The purple engine asked kindly.
''T..TTh...Thomas.'' Thomas replied nervously...yep, he was definitely blushing.
''It's nice to meet you Thomas.'' Lady smiled.
Tilly's whistle interrupted their conversation...and for that Thomas was thankful, god he was making a fool of himself right now.
''Ok, you two turtle doves can chatter away on your own time...we have a train to pull.'' Tilly said firmly, though the grin on her face betrayed her firmness.
Thomas felt his face go as red as Winston's paintwork and quickly reversed back into the station, Lady following him.
Thomas was at the back of the triple header, Tilly in the middle and Lady at the front.
The passengers barded the coaches and the guard blew his whistle
''Come on. Come on.'' Lady fussed importantly.
''Let's get moving. Let's get moving.'' Tilly said grandly.
''We're doing it! We're doing it!'' Thomas exclaimed as they began moving forward.
The cavalcade slowly but surely began moving out of the station, they could feel the weight of seven heavy express coaches behind them...but they forged ahead regardless.
Now, express trains aren't like local trains, they don't stop at every station...and as this is the non-stop express, that means they had literally no chance at all to catch their breath.
Then there was the hill...a massive incline beyond Wellsworth, an effort even for big engines like Winston, Crovan, Caleb and Miles...and a nightmare for three tank engines hauling a long and heavy express train.
However, with a lot of huffing and puffing they made it over the top.
''We did it! We did it!'' Thomas cheered excitedly.
''It's a good thing we didn't break down there, that would have been a nightmare.'' Tilly said, out of breath.
''Yeah, Miles would have never let us hear the end of it.'' Thomas said.
But he had spoken too soon...the ordeal proved too much for poor Lady.
Lady's whistle rang out in the emergency code and they were forced to stop.
Lady's crew got out and inspected her up and down.
Her driver sighed and looked at it.
''We cant take you off here Lady, try and keep your brakes off...Crovan's Gate isn't far.'' Her driver said.
Lady's crew got back into here and Thomas and Tilly blew their whistles before setting off again.
Lady's breakdown made the journey much harder for the other two engines...but they struggled on.
As Crovan's Gate grew closer still, they used EVERY last ounce of strength and steam to summon a last brave attempt to reach the station.
''Nearly there. Nearly there.'' Panted Tilly.
''We can make it. We can make it.'' Huffed Thomas.
Poor Lady didn't have any steam left to say anything.
At last Crovan's Gate station came into view.
They were on the final approach when Tilly found that she simply could go no further.
Thomas couldn't pull the heavy coaches and push Tilly and Lady all on his own, so the cavalcade came to a stop...with the station platform right in front of them.
There in the sidings watching them...was Miles, staring in disbelief at what he'd just seen.
Duke Jack 1st himself had been on the train, he got out from hi coach and stood in front of the three engines.
The three engines stiffened immediately...but the Duke was smiling at them.
''You three all did splendidly to make it this far and I'm proud of all three of you. I'm going to go and explain what happened to your controllers, right now though you've earned a good long rest in the shed.'' He smiled.
The three tank engines blushed at the Duke's praise, but smiled gratefully at him.
Thomas, Tilly and Lere uncoupled from the train and moved off to a siding, meanwhile an engine from the Furness railway was called to take the train.
As the tank engines moved away wearily, Miles looked at Thomas...and winked.
He didn't need to say anything...Thomas already understood.
Maverick Wachowski:
Homeworld/place created: Stratosphere starship
Born: 27 BBY (technically), 17 BBY (actually), (Age by 15 BBY: 12)
Species: human
Clone force 99, Galactic republic, Galactic rebellion, Wachowski family, Hayes family (through Miles' memories)
Eye colour: green
Maverick's backstory...differs greatly when compared to the rest of the Wachowski family
Not long after the bad batch moved to Pabu Miles inferiority complex got worse, especially as Cobalt, Martha and Jacen got busier.
At one point Martha and Miles were left alone together on Pabu while the rest of clone force 99 went on a mission.
Safe to say...it didn't go well and eventually the pair got into an argument...after which Miles stormed down to the beach...hoping to be far from her...and everyone to be honest, believing they didn't want him anymore.
He got that promise as that same night he was suddenly abducted by a ship of galaxy travelling colonists living on a ship called the stratosphere...due to previous events where Miles had accidentally managed to use his tablet and the Rebellion's mainframe computer to hack into their comm system they wanted to keep Miles as a member of their Colonly, thinking he really wants to be part of them...and not realizing he's just a human child with an inferioty complex the size of the galaxy itself who had joined them without even stopping to think about it.
Maverick was created by the colonists and Miles to essentially be a replacement for the real Miles as not to arise suspicion...however safe to say that didn't last long as Martha picked up on the subtle differences.
After a lot of problems (including a near war between the colonists and their rivals) Miles and Martha were reunited, fixed everything and they and Maverick returned to Pabu.
It was on Pabu that Maverick would receive his name and become part of the Wachowski family.
Image:
Outfit:
Pajamas:
Family:
Simon Hayes: biological father (through Miles)
Claire Hayes: biological mother (through Miles)
Francine Hayes: biological older sister (through Miles)
Eli and Evan Hayes: biological older brothers (through Miles)
Maria Wachowski: biological older sister (through Miles)
Miles Wachowski: twin brother/DNA Template
CT-9902 ''Cobalt'': adopted father
Martha Wachowski: adopted mother
Jacen Wachowski: adopted older brother
Miles Wachowski:
Homeworld: Novus Prima
Born: 27BBY (Age by 15 BBY: 12)
Species: human
Clone force 99, Galactic republic, Galactic rebellion, Wachowski family, Hayes family (formerly)
Eye colour: green
Miles Hayes born with an IQ of 300 and with a passion for tinkering with gadgets and inventing his own.
However...safe to say those gifts often made him the subject of ridicule amongst his family...well, all except Maria...but they had their own issues.
In 21 BBY (on his sixth birthday) Miles ran away from home and was taken in by a pickpocket gang led by Ron Shepherd.
Miles was with the gang awhile before circumstances forced the gang to split.
Later on Miles was found and taken in by Clone Force 99, or to be more specific, he was found by Martha and later they met up with the bad batch.
Image:
Outfit:
Pajamas:
Family:
Simon Hayes: biological father
Claire Hayes: biological mother
Francine Hayes: biological older sister
Eli and Evan Hayes: biological older brothers
Maria Wachowski: biological older sister
Maverick Wachowski: twin brother/clone of Miles
CT-9902 ''Cobalt'': adopted father
Martha Wachowski: adopted mother
Jacen Wachowski: adopted older brother
Jacen Wachowski:
Homeworld: Unknown (raised at Jedi temple)
Species: Mirilan
Born: 33 BBY (age by 15 BBY: 18)
Clone force 99, Galactic republic, Galactic rebellion, Wachowski family, Jedi order, Jod's pirate crew (formerly)
Eye colour: brown
Jacen was the Jedi Padawan of Sari Hawkins throughout the clone wars, however she was killed during order 66 and Jacen was forced to flee to survive. While on the run Jacen became part of a pirate crew run by Jod Na Nawood, and Jacen quickly became one of the best on Jod's crew.
However it wasn't long before Jacen grew disillusioned with the pirate life and fled with battle droid RO-GR and Jod's first mate (and droid) SM-33.
For a little while Jacen and the two droids drifted around as mercenaries but eventually they were taken in by Clone force 99 and became key members in the Galactic Rebellion's fight against the empire.
Image:
Outfit:
Pajamas:
Family:
Sari Hawkins: Former Jedi master
CT-9902 ''Cobalt'': adopted father
Martha Wachowski: adopted mother
Maria Wachowski: adopted older sister
Miles Wachowski: adopted younger brother
Maverick Wachowski: adopted younger brother
Martha Wachowski:
Homeworld: Dantooine
Born: 51 BBY (age by 15BBY: 36)
Species: human
Affiliation: Clone force 99, Galactic republic, Galactic rebellion, Wachowski family
Eye colour: brown
Martha Wachowski and her husband Edward Wachowski were police officers on the planet of Dantooine but her husband was killed by a gang of pirates and Martha was kidnapped by the pirates and likely would have been sold into slavery if she hadn't been rescued by clone force 99. After that encounter she became a bounty hunter and over time she developed feelings for Cobalt. By the end of the clone wars the two were married.
The two became the adopted parents of Maria Wachowski, Jacen Wachowski, Miles and Maverick Wachowski.
Image:
Outfit:
Pajamas:
Family:
Edward Wachowski: husband (deceased)
CT-9902 ''Cobalt'': Husband
Maria Wachowski: adopted daughter
Jacen Wachowski: adopted son
Miles Wachowski: adopted son
Maverick Wachowski: adopted son
CT-9902 "Cobalt"
Born: 27 BBY (accelerated aging)
Specis: human
Eye colour: blue
Affiliation: Clone force 99, Galactic republic, Galactic Empire (briefly), Galactic rebellion, Wachowski family
Bio: Cobalt was created alongside CT-9901 ''Hunter'' and was the second member of the bad batch, making him Hunter's unofficial second in command.
Cobalt was created with enhanced stamina and similar to Hunter, he was additionally given enhanced senses...Cobalt's senses however were different, while Hunter has enhanced auditory and electromagnetic senses Cobalt has enhanced visual and reflexive senses making him quicker to respond to attacks on the battlefield.
Cobalt is the squad medic.
Cobalt is married to Martha Wachowski and is the adopted father of Maria Wachowski, Jacen Wachowski, Miles and Maverick Wachowski.
Image:
Outfit:
Pajamas:
Family:
Martha Wachowski: wife
Maria Wachowski: adopted daughter
Jacen Wachowski: adopted son
Miles Wachowski: adopted son
Maverick Wachowski: adopted son
Clone force 99: brothers
Clone trooper 99: father figure/mentor