The Midnight Train Crossing

Poppa studied the letter he held in his hand.
"What are you lookin' at?" Rusty asked.
"We're gonna get a new train around here," Poppa said.
"Another one?" Rusty groaned, "Please tell me it's not an electric..."
"It's not," Poppa assured him.
"Diesel?"
"Nope..."
"Then what?"
"Steamer."
"Steamer?" Rusty asked, "I didn't think that there were anymore of us..."
Poppa sighed, "Of course there are more of us..."
"Not around here..." Rusty said a bit sadly.
"There will be soon," Poppa said with a smile.

Talck was pulling his train down the tracks. He was moving slowly, worried that the little caboose couldn't keep up, she'd had a rough time of it.
The rest of the train was quiet for once, all upset about what had happened to Rossi, the little pink caboose.
Rossi, well, she hadn't spoken in days, she was worrying him beyond all reason, he hoped she'd be back to her chipper self soon enough...
Imbrri leaned close, "are we almost there?" she asked softly, "the weather looks bad."
Talck nodded, "not much farther, I want to get Rossi there before nightfall."

Poppa looked up at the sky as Rusty skated past him, pushing the coaches into the roundhouse before it started to rain.
"Poppa?" Dustin asked, "What are you waiting for?"
Poppa smiled, "Go inside Dustin, I'll be in in a minute." *although I hope they get here before it starts to rain* he added silently.

Talck could see the lights nearing, "we're almost there," he said to Imbrri, "it won't be long."
Imbrri nodded, "maybe you should whistle to let them know we're close."
Talck nodded and let out two long whistles. Poppa looked up, hearing the whistle, calling the "I'm coming" He whistled back, "I hear you"

Talck smiled, "at least someone's there to greet us," he said.
"That sounded like steam," Xanni said from behind her sister.
Talck frowned and nodded, "it did didn't it."
Dinni looked back at Rossi, who was hitched behind him, she was bruised and still had some dents, the repair truck hadn't tired himself out fixing her. He just hoped she'd be ok.
Talck looked back at Imbrri, "if there's a steam train in charge, maybe this won't be so bad," he said.
Imbrri leaned close, "let's hope, for Rossi's sake," she said quietly.
Talck neared the yard, looking at it from the short distance left to cover.
He'd taken the long way around, avoiding hills and busy tracks. He hoped the trains here would understand

"Everybody's inside," Rusty reported to Poppa.
"Good," Poppa said, "you may as well go in too."
"Why not you?"
"I'm waiting for the new steamer, I hear him coming."
"Poppa, it's gonna rain any second," Rusty said, "You shouldn't be outside. I'll wait."
Poppa hesitated, "alright, but bring them straight to me when they come."
Rusty nodded and Poppa went inside.

Talck entered the trainyard, unsure of where to go, he wanted to get his cars in side somewhere, but knew he had to find someone to show him where

Rusty shifted position, leaning against the door as he waited. The sky was growing darker and he didn't really want to get caught in the rain. He hoped that the new train would get here soon.

Talck looked around, he hoped he'd find someone soon.
"Look over there," Imbrri said, pointing, "isn't that another engine?"
Talck nodded, "Thank the Starlight we got here in time,"
Xanni looked up and grimaced as a couple drops hit her, "not a moment too soon," she muttered.

Rusty looked up, seeing the new engine approach. He quickly straightened and tried to look reasonably presentable.
Talck came near and stopped, "hello," he said. He looked back down his train, saw Dinni's worried face and knew he should get Rossi in out of the rain. He held out his hand, "nice to meet you"
"Hi," Rusty said, "You're the train that we expected?"
Talck nodded, "that'd be me," he said.
Xanni, as usual, began complaining, "do you mind showing us inside or something, before i rust shut"
Talck closed his eyes and looked apologetically at Rusty
"Follow me," Rusty said with an understanding look at Talck. He led the new train inside.
Talck nodded and started to follow, "Thank you" Imbrri said quietly.
Rusty nodded, "No worries, I wouldn't want anybody out in the rain." He led them into the roundhouse, into the large dry common room.
Talck looked around and nodded, "very nice," he said.
Xanni shook the little bit of water out of her hair, grabbed Imbrri and dragged her over to a corner to talk.
Dinni looked at Rossi; she looked down trodden and tired. He gently picked her up and held her close.
Talck looked at Rusty and smiled, "Thanks for meeting us, sorry if they just make themselves at home," he looked meaningfully at Xanni.
Rusty nodded, "'Tis okay..." he said, "When it rains all organization around here just sorta fizzles."
Talck smiled a bit, "I hear that," he said, he looked at Dinni and Rossi, "is there anywhere for my caboose to sleep, she's had a long trip and is pretty tired." He didn't want to attract too much attention to the little caboose, as she was still badly beat up.
Rusty nodded, "Yeah...I'm sure that we can find somewhere to put all of you."
Talck nodded, "thank you," he looked around, "are you the head engine here?" he asked, "you seem a bit young,"
Rusty laughed, "Me? No, not quite..."
Talck sighed, so it wasn't a steamer who was head of this yard... just the engine sent to greet them. He hoped that the head engine wasn't diesel or Rossi would freak again.
Rusty noticed Talck's sigh. "I think that I can find you a place to sleep until everything around here gets settled."
Talck smiled, "Thanks" he said, "so what's it like around here?" he asked
"Currently, chaos," Rusty answered, "But that's just 'cuz it's raining..."
Talck nodded, "So i see, it was like that where I was from as well." He saw Imbrri looking at him and smiled at her, causing her to blush and Xanni to giggle.
Rusty nodded, "Right...you need a place to sleep, how many of you are there?"
Talck looked around, " well, me... and the four siblings," he said, nodding toward the rest of the train, "But the caboose doesn't take up too much room and the Meat Freezer can bunk with me, the Liquid Freezer and Dry Foods cars can bunk together as well," he explained not wanting to be any trouble.
"Hmm...." Rusty said thoughtfully.
Talck looked at him nervously, not knowing what to say.
"Okay..." Rusty smiled, "I know where we can put you..."
Talck smiled, "that's great," he said, looking around at the other cars and engines wondering which was the Head of the Yard.
He caught Dinni's eye and nodded, letting him know he could put Rossi down soon. The little injured caboose was fast asleep on her brother's shoulder.
"Follow me," Rusty said. He waved to an older sleeper as he passed her, leading Talck and his train through a door and down a hallway. Rusty opened a door.
"There's another room through there," he said pointing to a door. "This is the best I can do right now," he said a bit apologetically, "we can get you a better set tomorrow..."
Talck nodded, "that works great," he said smiling. He motioned to Imbrri and Xanni to come in, where Dinni and Rossi already were.
The coaches entered and looked around. Xanni looked around, obviously not too impressed.
Imbrri took over as Dinni handed her the sleeping Caboose, she followed Rusty's directions and entered the room, putting the little coach in bed and gently pulling up the covers.
"Umm..." Rusty started.
Talck looked at him, "you don't mind do you?" he asked, "Imbrri's a bit motherly and takes over easily, i can call her back if you want." He was really worried they were making a bad impression.
"Oh, no it's not that..." Rusty said, "It's just..."
Dinni looked up a bit worried as Talck waited for Rusty to finish.
Rusty sighed and then he smiled, sticking out his hand, "My name's Rusty."
Talck smiled back, "how rude of me," he said, taking Rusty's hand, "I'm Talck...."
He looked around, "that there is Dinni, my meat freezer. The gold car is Xanni, the little caboose is Rossi and the other car with her as i said was Imbrri"
"Talck," Rusty repeated, "Well..."
He was interrupted by someone shouting his name. He blushed, ears turning reddish; "I gotta run. Make yourselves at home, and I'll make sure that they know you're here."
Talck nodded, "and thanks again Rusty," he said
Rusty grinned, "No problem. See you in the morning."
Talck nodded and turned to his train, "well I guess you can all get some sleep... I'm guessing they'll leave us alone till tomorrow."
Dinni looked worried, "do you really think it's safe"
Xanni's superior face faded as she looked toward the door where Imbrri was with Rossi, "you think she'll be all right?"
Talck smiled, "I'll keep watch, don't worry. She'll be fine here."

The rain stopped around one the next morning, and by the time the trainyard started to wake up the sun was shining brightly again.

Rossi rolled over and moaned, she'd slept fitfully again, almost every part of her hurt.
She opened her eyes and saw Imbrri sitting near by, she didn't want to wake her sister, worried she was being a bother, but when she tried to sit up, she groaned with pain.
Imbrri woke up in an instant and went over to the bed, "are you all right dear?" she asked concerned, putting a hand on her little sister's forehead.

Talck was sitting out side the door, half asleep, as he'd been most of the night.
Rusty yawned, still a bit sleepily as he rolled down the hallway. He blinked the sleep from his eyes...and nearly ran over Talck.
"Oof" Talck said, looking up, "sorry," he got up quickly, "didn't mean to get in your way."
"Oh Starlight, I'm sorry," Rusty said.
Talck looked a bit confused, "but it was my fault for being in the way," he said
"Nah, I should have been paying attention to where I was going."
Talck looked a bit confused yet, but nodded in agreement
"Sleep well?" Rusty asked.
"Somewhat" he said, looking toward the room, wondering how Rossi was.
"Oh," Rusty said, "Well...I've gotta run, but I'll make sure that it's known that you're here."
With a wave, he rolled down the hallway.
Talck waved after him, he was a nice engine, even if he was in the same position Talck had been at the other yard. After finding out that the steam whistle he heard hadn't been from the head engine, he'd begun to worry about what the head engine was like.
Xanni slowly came out of the room; she saw Talck and smiled, "If Imbrri doesn't leave Rossi alone, she's going to smother the poor caboose."
Talck smiled back at her, "Don't pretend you're not just as worried as she is."
Xanni sighed, "she's worried enough for the both of us."
Dinni came out slowly closing the door behind him, "They're both awake in there, but Imbrri's checking over Rossi as usual."
Talck nodded, "did you sleep well?"
The two cars smiled and nodded back, "as best as can be expected, your first night in a new yard," Xanni said, "how bout you?"
Talck shrugged, "Same as normal."
Dinni stretched and rubbed his stomach, "I'm surprisingly hungry, I wonder where we get the food around here."
Xanni looked around, seeing some of the cars waking up. "Well we could ask one of them," she said, moving over toward a deep brown car before Talck could stop her.

Ashley looked up as the gold car drew near her, she smiled at the younger coach, "Hello, I saw you come in late last night, but didn't get a chance to greet you," she said.
Xanni smiled back, "I'm Xanni," she said, holding out her hand.
Ashley took it, "Ashley," she said.
Xanni looked around, "you wouldn't happen to know where we could get some breakfast do you?"
Ashley nodded, "actually, I wouldn't be too surprised if Dinah, our Dining car, isn't already up making it," she said.
Xanni grinned and turned to Talck and Dinni, she'd always been more adventurous then either of them, even if she was younger, "it's all right, she doesn't bite," she said with a grin.
Talck and Dinni rolled over to meet the car, since it would be rude not to.
Belle skated down the hallway towards the dining room when she saw Ashley standing there talking to an unfamiliar steamer. She slowly rolled over to the coach with a friendly smile.
Ashley turned, "oh hey Belle, this is Talck, he's a new steamer who's come to stay with us"
"Oh yeah, that's right," Belle said, "I remember, I saw you come in last night, Rusty showed you somewhere to sleep?"
Talck nodded and smiled, "yeah he was really nice about it"
"Good," Belle said.

At just that moment, Rusty came down the hallway with a gold colored coach in tow.
"Come on Rusty," she urged him on, "I'm late as it is."
"Not my fault you overslept..." Rusty started.
The coach made a face and lightly whacked him on the shoulder. "You...be quiet." she scolded, "You were supposed to give me a lift so I'd get there faster, not slower..."
"I am getting you there faster," Rusty pointed out.
She shook her head, "Dinah will be there already..."
"So she'll start breakfast without..." Rusty started, and then fell silent again before she decided to hit him again.
"Morning Belle, Ashley," the coach said, "Breakfast might be a bit late..."
"and I'm sure that'll be my fault," Rusty added with a bit of a smile, "Hey," he greeted Talck and his train, "come by for breakfast. After all this fuss it ought to be wonderful."
He yelped as the coach behind him hit him again.
"It always is," he added hastily, "gotta go."
With that, he tore down the hallway, the coach behind him.
Belle shook her head and smiled as they quickly vanished from sight.
Talck didn't know what to say as he watched the car hit Rusty a couple of times, he watched Xanni turn beat red, and Dinni look away.
Ashley smiled, "Hey Rusty, better watch what you say to her, you know how she is in the mornings..."
She turned to Talck, "So are you guys coming to breakfast."
Xanni smiled, "of course!" she said, "we just gotta wait for Imbrri and Rossi is all."
Dinni nodded, "I'll go get them," he said and moved toward the room.
Belle grinned at Ashley, "I didn't wanna laugh at them but..."
Ashley giggled, "I know... Buffy's so mean to them sometimes..."
Belle laughed.
Talck was trying to hide his frown.
Xanni moved closer to her engine, not liking the way the cars were laughing over the steamer's misfortune at all.
Dinni came out shortly, carrying Rossi, with Imbrri following behind.
"I think we should give them a few minutes..." Belle started.
Ashley nodded and grinned, "don't want to bother them and have them burn the food, then we'd never hear the end of it."
Talck quietly placed Dinni and Rossi behind him so that the cars wouldn't notice the caboose, if they were half as bad as the cars back home, they'd pick on the caboose without a second thought.
Belle nodded, "That and I think we should give Rusty a chance to escape..."
Ashley laughed out right then, causing Talck and the other cars to look at each other worriedly. "He's always put to work with them," she said giggling again, "sometimes I almost pity the poor engine."
Belle nodded, "Well I suppose he's used to it...and they feed him so it can't be all bad."
Ashley nodded, and looked at Talck, "you haven't introduced us to the rest of your train." she said.
Talck blushed, "um... this is Rossi, and that's Imbrri," he said, putting most of the attention on the Silver Car.
Belle didn't miss much and she looked carefully at Rossi.
Dinni noticed her and turned so that he was blocking Rossi from her view, hoping she wouldn't start to bug the poor caboose.
Imbrri noticed as well and moved closer to her brother.
Talck took a deep breath as Xanni changed the subject, "this is quite a large yard you have," she said, putting on her all famous smile...
Belle's eyes narrowed slightly and she looked at Talck.
Talck turned beat red; "um, uh..." he stammered as Xanni tried desperately to get attention off Rossi, "our old one was really small."
Ashley looked at her in sympathy, "really, I can hardly imagine one smaller than this," she said, "how did you move around?"
Talck turned to Ashley, "it was a bit cramped, but we managed," he said. Belle, with surprising speed, dodged around Talck's train and reached Rossi.
Dinni looked up at her scared, Rossi hadn't known what was happening, but had kept silent up till now, as the strange car came really close, she whimpered and buried her head in her brother's shoulder.
The rest of the train fell silent, and Ashley finally noticed how banged up the caboose looked, "Starlight, what happened?" she asked.
"I would like to know that too..." Belle said.
Talck looked down as the rest of his train looked uncomfortable.
"She crashed, " Xanni finally blurted out earning glares from her older sister and brother
"Oh..." Belle said softly, "On the way here?"
Talck shook his head, "at the other yard," he muttered.
"Before you came here?"
The entire train nodded.
"And you traveled with her like this?" Belle was having serious doubts about the responsibility of this engine.
Imbrri and Xanni had tears in their eyes and Dinni looked up angrily, "we didn't want to, it's not like we had a choice, they wouldn't help" he lashed out.
Talck put a hand on Dinni's shoulder and Dinni looked down embarrassed.
Ashley didn't know what to say the poor little caboose had to be in a lot of pain.
"Oh..." Belle said gently, "I'm sorry, I didn't know..."
Talck nodded, "it's just hard, we've been really worried about her," he said softly
Belle gently set a hand on his shoulder, "We'll have her fixed up right away."
Talck looked at her a bit worried, not exactly sure what "fixed up" truly meant.
Ashley decided they'd been uncomfortable enough for now, "you think it's safe to go to the kitchen?" she asked belle.
Belle nodded, "Yeah you can show them the way? I need to talk to someone first..."
Ashley smiled, "no problem" She looked at the train, "it's this way."
Dinni hitched on behind his sisters, holding one handed as he held the small caboose; he didn't want her moving any more than she had to.
Talck followed slowly behind her, as Ashley kept up a steady stream of chatter about this that and the next thing to try and make it easier for them.

In the kitchen, Rusty had indeed been put to work, setting tables. He didn't mind, at least it didn't involve direct contact with Buffy.
Ashley grinned at him as she came in, "didn't move fast enough today?" she asked teasingly.
Dinah stuck her head out of the kitchen, "it was either that or he was stirring the eggs" she said laughing as she ducked back in.
Talck looked around a bit uncomfortably.
Rusty stuck his tongue out at Dinah, "Wait..." he said, "Why'd I do that? She's the nice one..."
He looked up and smiled at the incoming train, "Morning...again."
Talck gave a small smile and nodded.
Ashley turned to him and motioned to the many tables, "grab a seat," she said, "you're lucky you got here before the masses." She gave a small laugh, then went into the kitchen to see how she could help.
Talck looked at the rest of his train and shrugged as he moved to the nearest table.
"So I see you've met Ashley," Rusty said, sitting down across from Talck.
Talck looked up and seemed a lot more at ease, he didn't mind talking to this engine, he smiled and nodded, "she seems... nice," he said.
Dinni had sat down with Rossi on his lap, her head resting on his shoulder, obviously tired.
Imbrri leaned over and felt her forehead again.
Rusty nodded, "She is." He looked at Rossi with obvious concern.
Talck tried to draw Rusty's attention away from the caboose, "so, it must be rough having the cars push you around like that," he said, looking pointedly at the kitchen.
"Hmm? Oh Buffy?" Rusty asked.
Talck nodded, watching as Dinah brought out some rolls and butter.
Rusty looked up as well, "I guess I'd better not say anything right now," he said, he looked up pointedly at Dinah, "After all, coaches gossip."
Dinah looked over at Rusty with her hands on her hips. "I heard that Steam Train," she said, then headed back into the kitchen, just as she reached the door, she turned and tossed a roll at Rusty's head before ducking into the door laughing.
Xanni and Imbrri watched wide eyed, unable to believe what they were seeing.
Talck saw the roll coming, "Look Out!" he said.
Rusty reached out and caught the roll. "Excuse me," he said. He stood up and rolled over to the door. "Hey Dinah..." he called sweetly.
The coaches were laughing in the kitchen as Dinah stuck her head out the door.
"Forget something?" Rusty asked sweetly, tossing her the roll.
Dinah squealed and ducked her head back in, though the roll caught her headband and knocked it off. She reached down to get it, giving Rusty a glare, "I'll get you for that Steam Train, mark my words." she said before retreating to the kitchen.
Talck's eyes were wide; he didn't know how to react to what he just saw.
Rusty gave a mock shiver and then returned to the table, "sorry about that," he said with a smile, "I couldn't resist..."
Talck nodded slowly.
"I thought you said she was the nice one?" Xanni asked from a little further down the table.
"She *is* the nice one," Rusty said with a smile, "No... I'm afraid that this one is my fault..."
Imbrri looked at him with pity, "oh, is it often like that?" she asked.
Rossi peeked around Dinni's shoulder to look at Rusty, she'd never seen another Steam Train other than Talck
Rusty shrugged, "I asked for it that time."
Imbrri looked down at her plate, this was just like their old yard, it hadn't got any better.
Ashley came out and looked at Rusty, "IF you aren't to busy, do you MIND giving us a hand with bringing the food out?" she asked.
Rusty grinned and stood up, "Of course I don't mind," he said with a bow. "Lead on."
Ashley rolled her eyes, "in here," she said, she gave a quick smile to Xanni, then followed Rusty in.
"What, now you're mad at me too?" Rusty asked in mock hurt.
Ashley raised her eyebrows, "this early in the morning, is that a smart question to be asking?" she said, giving him a mock kick to the backside.
Rusty let out a pretend yelp and scooted into the kitchen.

Talck looked at his train.
Dinni looked over, "I'm not sure if staying here is really a good idea," he said quietly, "I mean, they don't seem to treat steamers that well."
Talck looked around, "but where will we go," he said, "with Rossi like this... "
"Shh," Imbrri said, not liking Rossi to hear how worried they were about her.
Xanni looked around, "I don't know," she said, "I kinda like Ashley, she's sweet."
The rest of the older cars looked at her like she was crazy.
Rusty rolled out balancing a plate full of eggs, with Buffy hitched behind him.
Xanni smiled at them, getting an elbow in the ribs from her sister, "Hey," she yelped, then gave her sister a LOOK...
Rusty set the plate down on the table with a flourish, "Breakfast is served."
Talck smiled at Rusty, ignoring Buffy as best he could, "thank you," he said.
Dinah came out with some condiments, "now I want to see that all gone before your done," she said with a smile, "you need food to grow big and strong."
Rusty smiled, "I told you she was nice..." he said.
Buffy, behind him tutted.
Dinah rolled her eyes, "no you're gonna make me look like a softy," she said, "I have to get back to work, before the rest of the yard gets here, THAT'S going to be Mayhem."
Rusty grinned at Dinah, "Yeah I get it..."
Ashley came out with some glasses and drinks, she saw the train all looking at their food, "Dig in!" she said, "you don't want Dinah's cooking to get cold. Trust me on this one,"
Rusty nodded, "Yeah...and Buffy's cooking's pretty darn good too."
"Aww..." Buffy purred, "You make me blush."
Ashley grinned, "when she doesn't burn it," she said, rolling off quickly before Buffy could smack her too, laughing all the way.
Dinah chuckled a bit and followed the Smoking car back into the Kitchen, "now don't you get anywhere near the porridge, I don't want your ashes..." her voice receded into the other room.
Talck and his train were a bit confused, but Xanni immediately started to dig in.
"so you gonna let go of me?" Rusty asked Buffy meekly.
Dinni started to eat his food, giving little mouthfuls to Rossi now and again, as Imbrri and Talck watched Rusty and Buffy.
"Aw ya know I love ya," Buffy said, giving Rusty a peck on the cheek before unhitching and returning to the kitchen.
Talck stopped for a second and looked at Imbrri, they were both really confused.
Xanni watched as Buffy went back to the kitchen, her fork half way to her mouth.
Dinni looked up wide-eyed, not knowing what to say.
Rusty looked at them and realized they were staring. He blushed.
Talck coughed uncomfortably and went back to his breakfast; the rest of the train realized what they were doing and went back to eating as well.
Xanni looked up at Rusty with a bit of mischief in her eyes, "so... is she YOUR coach?" she asked with a smile.
Imbrri coughed embarrassed, nearly choking on her food.
Rusty shook his head, "No..."
"Oh.... " she continued, ignoring Imbrri," are you single then,"
Imbrri was nearly dying beside her sister.
"No."
Xanni looked a little saddened by that, "why are all the good ones taken?" she said with a sigh.
Imbrri glared at her sister, Dinni was obviously holding in his laughter, and even Talck couldn't help but smile.
Rusty smiled as well.
Rossi turned so she could see Rusty, he looked nice, not like the other engines at the old yard.
Dinni looked down at her, "want a little more?" he asked softly. She nodded to him and took a mouthful.
Talck shook his head as Imbrri tried desperately to cover her beat red face with her hair.

The door opened and Belle skated in with Poppa.
Talck looked up and saw the other coach, along with yet another steamer. This one looked much older, he stared as he watched the two come in. Could the head engine here be so cruel as to make an old engine like that work like Rusty and him?
Rusty stood up to greet the new arrivals.
Talck wasn't sure what to do, so he remained seated, but gave Imbrri a quick look, she gave him a smile of reassurance. Xanni was too intent on her food, and Dinni too occupied with Rossi to notice the new arrivals.
Rusty skated over to greet them, talking quietly for a few minutes before all of them skated over.
Talck stood up with respect for the older steamer. The rest of the cars looked up, not sure if they should follow suit.
"This is Talck, and Imbrri, Xanni, Dinni and Rossi," Rusty introduced them all.
Talck smiled at the older engine, holding out his hand, "pleasure to meet you," he said. The rest of the cars all nodded in greeting, except Rossi, who'd hid her face in her brother's shoulder again.
Poppa took Talck's hand, "So you're Talck... I had heard that you were coming."
Talck nodded, "yes, that's me" he looked down, hoping the engine hadn't been told WHY they were coming.
Poppa smiled, "Rusty been showing you around?"
Talck nodded, "a bit, as much as he could last night," he said.
"Good," Poppa said approvingly.
Imbrri smiled up at Poppa politely. Dinni smoothed Rossi's hair; she was shivering a bit, as she was still a little nervous around Engines.
"Oh..." Rusty said softly, "Guys, this is my father..."
The entire train looked up in shock.
"Really? That's so cool," Xanni said smiling.
Rusty nodded.
Talck looked around, then moved a bit, offering his chair, "would you like to sit down?" he asked the engine
Poppa nodded, "Thank you."
Talck smiled and pulled up a nearby chair on the other side of Imbrri, causing Xanni and Dinni to give each other knowing grins.
"Hey Buffy!" Rusty called, "Two more!" He grinned cheekily.
Belle rolled her eyes.
Dinah peeked her head out, "what're ya trying to do? Kill us?" she asked, then grinned as she saw the other trains, "Oh! Hey Poppa, hey Belle, it'll be out in a jiffy" she said.
Belle nodded, "okay." she called back.
Xanni smiled at the older engine, "so how long have you been here sir?" she asked politely
"A very long time," he answered with a wink.
Xanni smiled and blushed. Talck nodded as Dinah came out with two more plates.
She smiled at Rusty, "you wanting anything hun?" she asked.
Rusty looked up at her meekly, "If you're willing to feed me now..."
Dinah reached over and batted him across the head. "Didn't I throw you a roll before?" she asked, giving him a grin, "you should have kept it, but then again, it's your loss," she went back to the kitchen, "it'll be just a minute."
Rusty good-naturedly ducked.
Rossi was watching them all silently from where she was sitting, they seemed to like each other a lot, but then, maybe they were just pretending for her train.

"So, Talck," Poppa said, "After breakfast, I think that the first order of business for your train should be the repair shop..."
Talck stiffened and the rest of the train got worried looks, "wh-why the repair shop, sir?" Talck asked a bit nervous.
Dinni's hold on Rossi became a bit tighter, but not tight enough to hurt.
"It seems to me that your caboose--Rossi--might need it..."
Talck looked down, "yeah, maybe just a bit."
Poppa nodded, "Yes. We'll take care of her right away. I wouldn't want her to be hurt."
Talck looked at him, fear evident in his eyes, "she wouldn't be hurt any more than she is would she?"
Poppa shook his head, "Is that what you're worried about?"
Talck looked down, "a... a bit," he said.
Dinni's hold on Rossi was very possessive and protective now.
Poppa smiled, "Don't worry, we'll get her fixed up and back to normal."
Talck nodded a bit...
Rusty nodded as well as Buffy came out of the kitchen with two plates. She pointedly set one down in front of Belle and one for Poppa.
Talck frowned a bit. not sure what to make of that
Rusty shook his head and leaned back in his chair.
Dinni looked around a bit.
Xanni looked up at Buffy, "I think Rusty asked for some too," she said pointedly
"His is comin'" Buffy said with a smile, "don't worry sugar."
Xanni looked a little suspiciously at Buffy, but didn't say anything
Buffy turned and rolled back into the kitchen.
Talck tried to think of something to say to keep the topic off Rossi, "I guess with me around, there won't be as many runs for everyone to do," he said.
Poppa shrugged, "Yeah, we'll have to get all of the schedules sorted out."
Talck nodded, "I'm not afraid of work," he said, "we're all very good at keeping on schedule,"
Poppa smiled, "Don't worry about it..."
Talck nodded, leaning on the table, and somewhat placing his body between Poppa and Rossi.
Buffy came out of the kitchen with a plate which she set down for Rusty.
"Thanks," he said.
Talck looked around, "so how busy has it been lately, for runs I mean," he asked Poppa.
"Not horribly so," Poppa said, "Don't worry, you won't be over worked in your first week."
Talck shook his head, "oh I wasn't worried about that," he said hurriedly, "I was just wondering is all,"
Poppa smiled, "Good."
Talck nodded, munching a bit of his breakfast thoughtfully
Poppa finished eating and then looked at the clock.
"Are you finished Rusty, cuz it's time to go.."
Talck stayed quiet, waiting to be offered a run.
"yeah Poppa, I guess it is time to get to work..."
Dinah came out, and looked around, "now Rusty don't you dare leave a big mess, clean up those dishes," she said in her most motherly voice.
"but-"
Dinah put her hands on her hips, "don't make me get Buffy," she said
Rusty pouted and stood up.
Talck stood up, "here, I'll help you," he said, knowing what it was like to be picked on, even if he was never picked on by coaches before.
"Thanks, you don't have-" Rusty started.
Talck picked up some of the plates, "it's no bother, really..."
"If you're sure..." Rusty said, "Thanks..."
Talck nodded, "just show me where to go,"
"Kitchen is through those doors," Rusty said, balancing his armload."
Talck nodded again, "thanks," he said, holding his arm load carefully.
Rusty pushed the door open, holding it for Talck.
"Thank you," Talck said, moving through the door, then holding it for Rusty.
The rest of the train felt a bit uncomfortable being left alone.
Buffy looked up as Rusty entered the kitchen. "Good boy," she teased.
Talck avoided Buffy as Ashley laughed.
"I try," Rusty retorted, setting the plates down in the sink, "Am I released from kitchen duty yet?"
Ashley looked at Buffy grinning, "shall we keep him a bit longer or be nice today?" she teased
"Hmm..." Buffy said thoughtfully.
Talck looked a little nervous...
Buffy looked up at Dinah, "What do you think?"
Dinah grinned, "well... he HAS been very good today,"
"I suppose that we should let him go then," Buffy said with a wink at Rusty.
Dinah and Ashley laughed, "at least until lunch," Ashley said.
Dinah giggled, "flee Rusty, now..."
Rusty nodded, "You got it, Later!" He rolled out of the kitchen.
Talck followed closely behind.
"You set Rusty?" Poppa said, "Because I think that it's time for work..."
Talck stood nearby, expecting to be told he had work too.
"Yeah, we'd better go," Rusty said, "you'll take care of Talck before you go off?"
The rest of Talck's train was listening intently as he stood there waiting expectantly.
"Okay, come with me and we'll get Rossi taken to the repair shop."
Talck took a deep breath and nodded.
Dinni held Rossi close again.
Talck looked at Imbrri, worried about how Rossi would react.
"Come on."

Talck nodded and waited while his train hitched on, Dinni again with one hand, "ready," he said.
Poppa nodded and turned out the door, knowing that Talck would follow.
Talck followed behind, moving faster than he had last night, since Rossi wasn't actually moving
In fact the little caboose had fallen asleep on her brother's shoulder
Poppa led the train into the repair shop.
"Come on in you guys and we'll get Rossi fixed up."
Talck nodded, he was obviously hesitant. He looked back at Rossi, glad she was asleep, or she'd probably be screaming right now.
"Set her down here." Poppa directed.
Dinni was not to happy about this.. not after the last time. It was apparent, he didn't want to put Rossi down.
"Set her down," Poppa repeated.
Dinni sighed, "yes sir," he mumbled and put Rossi down gently.
Poppa nodded, "Right, I'll leave you here to get her repaired."
Talck looked at Poppa, The two girls were wringing their hands, "you mean we can stay?" he asked hopefully.
"Well of course," Poppa said.
Talck sighed, "thank you sir," he said softly. The rest of the train seemed to relax greatly
Poppa nodded, "Yeah, I sorta expected it..."
Rossi moaned a bit and tried to roll over, Dinni held her gently in place and stroked her face.
Poppa nodded, "I'll be back later to check on you."
Talck watched as Poppa left and sighed, looking around the Repair shop. It didn't look completely the same as their old one.. but there were enough similarities to make the engine and his cars uncomfortable.
Rossi shifted slightly and moaned, opening her eyes slowly.
Talck moved closer to her, "Good Morning Little One, did you sleep well?" he asked, trying to keep his voice light, so as not to scare the caboose.
It didn't work, Rossi took one look around and let out a little scream.
Dinni squeezed her hand, "It's ok Rossi, we're here, it's a different yard, there letting us stay."
Xanni snorted, "I'd like to see them try to make us leave."
Imbrri went over and put her hand on the squirming caboose's shoulder, "They're going to fix you up, really fix you up, we're going to be here the whole time but if you don't let them fix you, we can't take away the pain..." she said.
Rossi looked up at her big sister, fear evident in her eyes.
Talck knelt down beside her, "We need you to be brave Little One, you think you can do that if we stay real close?"
Rossi looked at her train, swallowed and nodded, tears in her eyes as she clung to Dinni's hand.
Xanni and Imbrri moved a bit away to give the repair truck room,
"This better work," Xanni muttered to her sister.
Imbrri shushed her quickly, looking at Talck nervously.

Rusty rolled down the hallway, whistling softly, happy as he was on his break.
Dinah heard Rusty's whistle and poked her head out a nearby door. "Oh Rusty... don't go to far.... I'm SURE I can find something for you to do to help with Lunch!!"
Rusty groaned good-naturedly, "I suppose that's what I get for this morning..."
Dinah smiled, "I told you I'd get you back."

Talck slowly came down the hall with his train in the rear, Dinni once again holding a tearful Rossi.
He heard Dinah's last words and frowned a bit.
Rusty sighed dramatically.
Dinah noticed the train, "oh hello," she said smiling, "have you been shown around?"
Xanni peeked her head around Imbrri and Talck, "actually, not really," she said.
Dinah looked at Rusty, "have you no manners boy?" she asked, "you didn't even show them how to get from the kitchen to somewhere else."
Imbrri blushed, "actually, we were just shown where the Repair shop was."
Dinah looked at the pretty silver car, "oh?" she asked, "and why'd you need the repair shop?"
Rusty ducked his head under Dinah's teasing.
Dinah was obviously confused.
Talck looked down, "My caboose had a bit of trouble, we got her fixed," he said.
Dinah noticed how tearful Rossi was, "Aww the poor dear, here come to the kitchen, we'll get her a treat shall we."
"If I pull do I get points?" Rusty asked.
Dinah laughed, "I'll see what I can dig up for you," she said, automatically hitching on, "follow us," she said to Talck and his train.
Rossi had looked up from her brother's shoulder at the mention of a treat for her, she hadn't eaten much for breakfast, and since she felt so much better now, she was starting to get hungry.
Rusty moved out, pulling Dinah along slowly so Talck and his train could follow.
Dinah sighed as she slowly moved along.
Talck kept up easily, checking back to make sure that Dinni was ok carrying Rossi.
Rusty sped up a bit.
Talck kept up.

Ashley stepped out of a room and nearly collided with Rusty. "HEY!!" she said backing off, "watch where you're going steam train," she said, giving him a light cuff.
"Sorry Ashley," Rusty said, dodging away.
Ashley smiled, "and where is this caravan off to??" she asked.
Dinah grinned, "the kitchen, where else."
Ashley's eyes brightened, "those words are music to my ears," she said, hitching on to Dinah, "lead on steam train."
"Certainly smoking car..."
Ashley rolled her eyes and grinned at Xanni, "you just can't find good engines these days,"
Xanni hooted with laughter as Imbrri turned beat red.
"So you're sayin' that I'm not a good engine?" Rusty asked in mock hurt.
Ashley grinned, "of course not, just that you have your moments is all,"
Talck narrowed his eyes, before it had seemed that Rusty was getting all the mean comments and insults, but now he was giving as good as he was getting, he wasn't sure what to think about this Yard as of yet, he'd have to wait till he met the head engine to see.
"Oh..." Rusty said, "I see... I suppose that that's not too bad..."
Ashley rolled her eyes and poked Dinah to get her attention, Dinah nodded and giggled.
"I don't like this..." Rusty said.
Dinah grinned, "like what?" she asked innocently.
Dinni nearly let go of Xanni's couplings when he realized Rossi was smiling at the banter between the cars and Rusty, she hadn't smiled since the crash, maybe coming here was a good idea.
"You two...giggling..."
Ashley tried to hold it in..."nothing......" she said
"I don't trust that..." Rusty said, "Talck, do you mind going a bit faster?"
Talck looked up, then back at Dinni, when Dinni nodded he smiled at Rusty, "not at all," he said,
Xanni giggled, "with those two behind ME, I'd be going warp speed,"
Rusty nodded and sped up
Talck followed along.
Rossi finally spoke up, "I'm really hungry," she said in a soft voice to Dinni.
Dinah heard and turned to her smiling, "it won't be long, the kitchen isn't far away, and then we'll get you as much food as you want."
Xanni laughed, "you might not want to promise her that, when she gets going you'd think she was a garbage truck"
Rusty smiled and came to a stop as he reached the dining room.

Dinah unhitched and went to the kitchen to start rooting through her food supplies.
Ashley smiled, "so Rusty, gonna show us to a table.. or must I do EVERYTHING"
"Oh not at all Madame," Rusty said, "I hardly expect you to anything..."
Ashley smacked his shoulder, "enough dramatics," she smiled at Talck's train, "I'll have Rusty show you a table, I'm sure Dinah needs help in the kitchen," she went back into the kitchen with the dining car.
"This is a table..." Rusty said obediently, loud enough for the coaches in the kitchen to overhear.
Ashley's sigh could be heard throughout the dining room, as Dinah giggled, "I'm going to have to teach that engine one of these days," she was heard to mutter.
Xanni laughed and Imbrri, Dinni and Talck smiled.
Rossi squirmed to get down, she wanted to go to the kitchen, since that was where all the food was.
Rusty laughed, "Have a seat you guys," he said seriously.
Dinni put Rossi down, not watching her too closely, but expecting her to sit down.

The rest of the train took some seats, as Rossi quietly snuck over to the kitchen door.
The door opened and Buffy skated in, "I thought I heard trains in here."
Talck looked up, still not too sure about this car.
Xanni smiled, "well here we are," she said shrugging, "getting a snack you might say"
Buffy smiled, "Rusty been behaving himself?"
Talck nodded. Xanni smiled, "not according to the other coaches he's not."
Rossi slipped into the kitchen and hid behind the counter, peeking up so she could watch the two cars work
"Oh really?" Buffy asked.
"Hey!" Rusty protested, "I've been good all morning..."
Buffy skated over and flopped down in his lap.
Imbrri looked away as Xanni laughed and Dinni and Talck turned beat red.

In the kitchen, Dinah turned around to see a little blue hat poking over the counter and two little eyes looking at her.
She jumped and almost dropped the bowls she was holding. "well hello," she said, "I take it you're hungry,"
Rossi gasped and ducked behind the counter.
Ashley turned and smiled, "no need to be shy little one."
Rossi held her breath, wondering how the car knew here nickname.
Dinah smiled and went over to the shelves nearby. "I just baked some cookies this morning if you'd like some."
Rossi couldn't resist the temptation of food, she popped her head back up and watched as Dinah placed the cookie jar near her.
She took a cookie and slowly ate it, watching as the cars went back to preparing a meal.

"Ooof..." Rusty protested the coach sitting on his lap, "C'mon Buffy, get off..."
Xanni couldn't help but laugh, this was a coach she could get to like.
Buffy put her arms around Rusty, "Aw what's wrong sugar?"
Imbrri felt sorry for the engine, but didn't know how to help him.
Dinni smiled, "um, the other cars are in the kitchen, if that's who you were looking for," he said.
Buffy nodded, "Dinah and Ashley?"
Rusty nodded, "Yeah... you'd better go..."
Buffy smiled at him and then stood up.
Talck watched Buffy, not sure what she was going to do, almost afraid she'd throw herself into his lap as well.

Buffy skated into the kitchen and Rusty stood up and stretched.
Xanni giggled, "are a lot of the coaches like that?" she asked.
Imbrri rolled her eyes, Starlight help her if they were
"Nah, Buffy's pretty unique..." Rusty said.
Xanni laughed again, "well maybe not so unique now," she said, as Imbrri jabbed her in the ribs, "ooow..." she said, getting a glare from Imbrri.
Rusty laughed a bit, "Talck, this is your train...d'you think I should be a bit worried?"
Talck was hanging his head in his hands, "with my train, even I"M worried," he muttered.
Dinni grinned, "oh we're not ALL bad, as far as I know IMBRRI's rather good."
Imbrri turned pink and glared at her brother, "but we don't need to go into THAT now do we," she said with a definite threat in her voice that made Xanni and Dinni hoot with laughter.
Rusty grinned.
Talck's ears turned red.
"Don't worry," Rusty said, "After all that you've seen me go through with the coaches...."
Talck nodded, "it's a favorite thing for these two to do.. and now they're getting Rossi in on it..."

Dinni looked around, "speaking of which," he stood up and looked about frantically, "where IS Rossi, " his voice filled with fear.
Xanni and Imbrri started to look around, "she was right here a minute ago, " Xanni said.
Talck stood up, and looked around as well.
Rusty got up, "She can't have gone far..." he said, "You did say that she likes to eat right?"
Talck nodded, the rest of the train was distracted as they looked for the little caboose
"Maybe she went into the kitchen, I'll ask the coaches..."
Talck closed his eyes and tried to calm down, of course she went to the kitchen, he knew Rossi, that's exactly where she'd be.
"It's all right," he said to his train, "she's in the kitchen more than likely,"
Dinni looked at Talck and a smile slowly came on his face, "I should've thought to look there,"
Imbrri still looked a bit worried, "go check, just in case," she said.
Rusty nodded, "I'll go..." He rolled to the kitchen and opened the door, without announcing himself first...
Dinah looked up and Ashley turned, the little caboose had been coaxed to sit up on a stool at the counter and was still munching cookies, she gasped and turned, which caused her to start coughing on little cookie bits that went down the wrong tube.
Buffy took Rossi's shoulders, holding the little caboose still until she had finished coughing.
Rusty smiled and turned, "It's alright," he called out the door, "she's fine..."
Imbrri took a deep breath of relief.
Talck got up, "I'll go get her," he said to the coaches, getting up and moving to the kitchen door, as he drew near he heard Rossi's two last coughs before she took a sip of the big glass of milk Dinah offered her.
"There now..." Buffy soothed, "Careful sugar, you shouldn't eat so fast...our food won't run from you."
Talck laughed, "she always eats like she's never seen food before," he said, coming up beside Rusty.
Dinah smiled at him. Ashley laughed, "she's such a cutie," she said.
Buffy nodded, looking at Rossi fondly.
Rossi finished off her milk and smiled at Buffy, her face covered with a milk mustache.
Buffy grinned back at her, holding out a napkin.
Rossi took it and was just about to tie it around her neck, when Talck moved forward and wiped her mouth for her.
Rossi sighed afterward, but smiled up at Talck.
Talck grinned back, "and now, since you've bothered the nice cars for quite long enough, shall we go out and wait for them to finish?"
"Ah, she's not bothering us..." Buffy said with a smile.
Dinah smiled and nodded, "she's no trouble at all, she's really quite adorable."
Ashley smiled, "she looks much better now that she's fixed," she said.
"Well if you're sure..." Talck said.
Buffy nodded, "Yeah..." She turned to Rusty, "You however..."
Dinah grinned, "you have work to do," she said, "The hoard's will be here soon... "
Rusty sighed, "All right....all right... what d'you want me to do?"
Ashley rolled her eyes and handed Rossi another cookie.
Dinah smiled, "well for now you can set the tables, since you did such a nice job of it this morning"
Talck was beginning to see that they all got along quite well, he smiled, "I think I'll flee while I still can," he said, and ducked back into the dining room.
"good," Rusty called after Talck, "Get out while you can!"
Then he rolled over to the cabinet and started getting out plates.

Talck laughed and went to sit with Imbrri and the two other coaches.
Imbrri looked at him, "is she ok?"
Talck smiled and nodded, "being her usual charming self," he said.
Imbrri sighed with relief, "and they're ok with her in there?"
Talck nodded, "they like her."
Xanni looked at him with surprise, "that's a surprise," she said.
There was a sound out in the hallway as Rusty skated in and started setting the table, doing Talck's first.
Talck smiled at Rusty.
Dinni looked toward the door, frowning at the sound, it sounded frighteningly familiar.
Rusty finished and started back into the kitchen when the door opened.

A large powerful looking diesel engine in black leather and sunglasses rolled into the dining room.
Talck turned his head. He stopped as he watched the engine. He closed his eyes for a second and took a deep breath, he'd finally found the head engine, it was obvious that's who this engine was, he held himself right, and he was diesel.
He sighed. He'd have to talk to him sooner or later, but at this exact moment, he wanted it to be later.
Rusty looked up at the engine that entered and then looked down, going back to work.
Talck watched them and decided that this WAS in fact the head engine, Rusty was acting quite like he had at his old yard.
He sighed and gave his train a 'keep quiet' look.
The diesel looked around, then rolled over to Rusty and tapped him on the shoulder.
Rusty looked up and the two talked softly for a few minutes.
Talck and his train were obviously uncomfortable, at that exact moment, Rossi decided to come back into the dining room, Dinni closed his eyes and groaned softly.
Rossi spotted the diesel, stopped, made a little squeal of fright before ducking back into the kitchen.
Talck looked at Imbrri, this was not good at all.
"So..." the diesel said, "Is Dinah in the kitchen, seeing as how you're setting the table..."
Xanni licked her lips nervously, the kitchen was a very bad place for Rossi to be if the Diesel was going there, but she didn't want to move or she'd get noticed.
Rusty nodded, "Of course, it's lunch time, where else would she be?"
The diesel looked meaningfully towards the door.
"Yeah, I'm goin'..." Rusty muttered, skating over to the door.
Dinah turned as the little caboose came darting back in, "what is it hun?" she asked. She rolled over, "goodness, you're shaking," she said, she took the little caboose's hand and pulled her back to the stool, "here let me get you some milk, are you all right?"
Rossi's eyes filled with tears as she watched the door, fearful the diesel would come to get her.
Rusty rolled into the kitchen.
"Finished already?" Buffy asked.
Rusty shook his head, "Hey Dinah?"
Rossi had gasped and wrapped her arms around Dinah when Rusty came in,
"Shh, shh," Dinah said, then looked at Rusty, "yeah?"
"Your engine's here..."
Dinah smiled, "really? Okay, tell him I'll be out in a minute," she said.
Ashley sighed and rolled her eyes.
Rusty nodded, with a wink at Rossi, and he rolled out into the main dining room again, where Greaseball had sat down at a table alone.
Rossi blushed, Rusty was so nice!
Dinah slowly got Rossi to let go of her and continue lunch.

Talck watched Rusty, he hadn't met the diesel but he already didn't like him.
Rusty rolled over to Greaseball, "She'll be along in a bit..." he said, and before Greaseball could say anything else, "That's the best I could do," he added hastily.
Imbrri had edged closer to Talck, feeling very nervous with this engine in the room
Greaseball nodded, "Fine, I'll wait."
Ashley came out with some of the condiments, and some drinks. She put them down on Greaseball's table first, then over on Talck's before heading back to the kitchen.
Rusty sat down again at Talck's table with a smile. But before he had a chance to say anything the door opened again.
Talck and his train turned to look who was coming in now.

A cream and pink first class Pullman observation coach glided into the room.
Xanni's eyes opened wide, this coach was prettier than any she'd seen, even at her old yard.
Dinni blushed and couldn't stop staring at her.
Rusty looked up at the coach and smiled.
She looked over at him kindly and then continued on into the kitchen. She paused for a second at Greaseball's table, then moved on.
Talck narrowed his eyes and sighed, of course this was the diesel's coach, and she was more than likely a complete copy of most of the coaches from his old yard. Stuck up, snooty, mean.
He suddenly sat up straight as he realized she'd just gone into the kitchen. Right where Rossi was.....
"What's wrong?" Rusty asked.
Talck looked at the kitchen, "Rossi," he said softly.
Imbrri looked at him and gasped, she hadn't been to pleased by the appearance of the coach and was now worried about her little sister
"Oh..." Rusty said, "Don't worry, all of the coaches in there have fallen for your little caboose. She'll be fine."
Imbrri looked down, "I'm not worried about them, it that new coach," she said, her eyes narrowing with disdain.
"Really? Why?"
Talck sighed and looked away.
Dinni leaned forward, "she looks like she acts the same way the coaches at our old yard did."
"Really? but-"
Xanni shrugged her shoulders, "it's not that important, their just worried because the coaches at our old yard didn't like Rossi too much and treated her really bad"
"Oh..." Rusty said softly, "I see. He smiled, "Don't worry..."
Talck was still frowning but he nodded, giving a quick look to Greaseball before turning back to Imbrri and Rusty.
"I'll tell her about Rossi and we'll be fine..."
Imbrri looked at him, still a bit worried, "are you sure?" she asked.
"well...yeah...once I tell her..."
Xanni bit her lip, wondering silently how long it would take to tell her, and what would happen to Rossi in the mean time
"Anyway, I don't think that she'll do anything..."
Dinni nodded, "well you'd know better than any of us," he said.
Rusty grinned and nodded, "I do." he said a bit proudly.
Dinni gave a small smile, his older sisters and engine didn't look so sure.
Rusty grinned again, thinking about Pearl, and getting that normal glassy-eyed, adoring look.
Xanni and Dinni each other, Rusty had a look on his face that nearly matched Talck's when they got on the topic of Imbrri.
They sighed, knowing that he obviously liked the coach, but most likely didn't stand a chance.
Talck and Imbrri were coming to similar conclusions.
Rusty was totally oblivious to the concerns of Talck's train.
Buffy skated out of the kitchen.
Dinni and Xanni looked at her, not sure what was up, but praying it wasn't to do with Rossi
Rusty still had his glazed look.
"Hey Rusty..." Buffy called.
No response.
"Rusty?"
still nothing.
She sighed, "Hey lover engine!"
That got his attention. "Huh? Wh-?"
Xanni couldn't help but snort with laughter, causing Dinni to follow suit.
Talck and Imbrri looked at the younger coaches nearly doubled over with laughter like they were crazy
Rusty's ears turned bright red and Buffy smiled, "If you're not too busy day dreaming, could I get some help...as Dinah's going shortly..."
Ashley peeked her head out, "is he being a pain again" she called, "C'mon Rusty, it won't take too long,"
"I'm coming," Rusty said.
"Of course he is," Buffy said, "Pearl's in there..."
Ashley laughed and ducked back into the kitchen.

Talck looked over at Greaseball to see how he was taking the banter.
Greaseball rolled his eyes and was basically trying to ignore all of them.
Rusty got up and followed Buffy into the kitchen.
"hey girl," Buffy called, "You're engine's gettin' impatient out here I think..."
Dinah called from the kitchen, "I'm coming I'm coming."
Talck and his train looked at each other, something didn't add up right
In the kitchen Rusty had been loaded down with plates. He rolled out, carefully balancing lunch.
"I'm taking her out," Greaseball informed him, "Don't want anything..."
Rusty nodded and moved over to Talck's table instead.
Talck frowned at Greaseball's tone, but smiled at Rusty, "thanks" he said.

Dinah came out, fixing her hair a bit, "I'm ready, sorry Greaseball I had to finish lunch,"
Greaseball stood up and skated over to Dinah, "Hey, no problem babe."
She grinned up at him and wrapped her arms around his neck, "I didn't think there would be."
He put his arms around her waist, pulling her towards him.

At just that moment, there was a commotion out in the hallway. A deep, stern commanding whistle sounded through the air.
Greaseball looked up, a bit annoyed. He rolled his eyes and returned his attention to Dinah, "Let's get out of here before trouble comes in."
Rusty looked up alarmed and then moved towards the door.
Buffy appeared from the kitchen, a bit curiously.
Rusty met her eyes and sighed. Buffy nodded and returned to the kitchen.
He continued on to the door, opening it and vanishing out into the hallway.
"Rusty," Poppa's voice said, "Go back inside."
"But Poppa-"
"No son, go back inside. I've got it."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Go back inside now."
"But Poppa-"
"Now Rusty!"
Rusty sighed, "Yes sir¡K"

Talck looked at Rusty, "what's going on?" he asked.
Ashley ducked out, keeping Rossi behind her.
Rusty sighed, "Just...some problems out there."
"I gathered that" Talck said
Rusty sat down at the table with a bit of a sigh.
Greaseball smiled at Dinah, "Let's go."
Dinah looked at the door wearily, nodded, and hitched on.
"I think we should take the other door..." Greaseball said softly.
Dinah nodded, "sounds like a good idea hun," she said
Rusty automatically moved out of Greaseball's way as the diesel passed.
Talck frowned again, not liking this head engine at all.

Rusty noticed that Talck seemed a bit uncomfortable around Greaseball. "He probably won't be back for awhile."
Talck nodded, reaching down slowly, praying the rest of his train didn't see, and took imbrri's hand, giving it a light squeeze.
Imbrri gave him a shy smile.

Belle skated into the dining room, looking a bit tired.
Ashley started to roll over, but Xanni got up, "are you alright?" she asked.
Ashley was startled at how the new coach was treating the older sleeper.
Belle nodded, "Yeah, thanks Xanni. Just had to deal with a bit of a mess..."
"Oh?" she asked, " what sort of mess?"
Dinni got up, "yeah, what was that all about out there?"
Belle shrugged, "You just got here, don't worry about it."
Dinni nodded taking the hint, but politely offering up his chair to the sleeper.
"Thanks," Belle said, sitting down.
Dinni smiled, pulling up another chair, as Xanni sat down.
Talck leaned over, "is this an ongoing problem that I maybe should be warned about?" he asked.
Ashley coughed and turned, smiling down at Rossi and directing her back into the kitchen for some more sweets
Belle and Rusty were slient as they waited for Rossi to go back into the kitchen.
"hey sugar," Buffy, in the kitchen greeted Rossi.
Rossi's giggle could be heard as Ashley gave her a little tickle. Talck and the rest of his train were watching belle, waiting for her respose

"We've had...some problems recently..." Belle started.
Talck nodded, Imbrri gave his hand a light squeeze.
Dinni looked away as Xanni snorted, "who hasn't" she said, earning a glare from her older sister.
"With a member of our trainyard..."
Talck looked down, Xanni blushed, mumbling a soft apology
"with our..." Belle started, then hesitated.
Dinni looked at her intently, wondering what was so terrible that she couldn't say it
"with our caboose."
Talck's head snapped up and the rest of his train looked at her wide eyed
"I'm sorry," Belle said quickly, "this has nothing to do with Rossi, who is very sweet."
Talck nodded.
"But you must be worried about how Rossi will act with such problems with your cabosse," Imbrri said
"I am," Belle said softly, "I'm sorry that you had to find out so soon..."
Talck nodded, "but it's better to find out now, than make mistakes later," he said
"yeah..." Belle said gently, "Look, we'll try to keep Rossi from finding out okay?"
Talck and his train nodded, "I take it this caboose would be a very bad influence?" he asked.
"Yes. He-"
"He's caused several crashes..." Rusty finished for Belle.
Talck and his train stared wide eyed at the two of them.
Imbrri was hyperventilating,
Dinni's head was in his hands.
Talck was shaking visibly.
Xanni was... indignant, "you don't think that Rossi"
Rusty looked a bit confused, "Huh?"
Xanni swallowed, "you don't think she did it on purpose."
Dinni kicked her in the shin, reminding her that they didn't know about Rossi.
She gasped and dropped her eyes, looking at her hands, "never mind," she mumbled
Rusty looked at Talck confused.
Talck looked away, not wanting to talk about it, and not able to meet the other steamer's eyes
"Okay..." Rusty said softly, "Never mind..."
Imbrri caught her breath and Dinni was obviously blinking back tears.
Xanni's face was filled with a glare, as if daring them to ask about it.
"I'm sorry," Belle said again, "forget about it."
The train all seemed to nod as one.

Rossi came out, grinning, carrying a couple glasses to set on the table. She didn't notice the rest of her train upset, she felt so proud that she'd been given a job to do.
Buffy smiled from the door way, watching Rossi.
"Hey Rusty," she called, "I think that you're being shown up..."
Ashley stuck her head out, "she's easier to work with at least," she said, making a face at him.
"I think that I should be offended..." Rusty said with a smile.
Talck couldn't help but smile, giving Rossi's hat a rub as she passed by him, "they putting you to work Little One?" he asked.
She nodded grinning, going back to the kitchen to get some more.
"Ah well... I guess I never was meant to wait tables anyway..." Rusty said with a grin.
Xanni couldn't help but giggle, Imbrri and Dinni seeming to relax under the playful banter
"Oh I wouldn't be too sure about that Rusty," Buffy said coming out and setting a hand on his shoulder.
Dinni smiled and ducked his head, "I'm gonna be real quiet right about now," he whispered to Xanni and Rossi, who'd come back out.
Both sisters giggled, Rossi giving him a poke, making him squeak in a very unmasculine type way.
Buffy turned and looked at Dinni thoughtfully.

The door of the kitchen opened and Pearl glided out.
Talck looked at her, wondering what exactly was up with her since she wasn't the head engine's coach, the dining car was
Rusty stood up as she skated over. "
Rusty," she said sweetly, "could you give me a hand with something?"
Rusty nodded and followed her into the kitchen.
Xanni and Dinni exchanged a LOOK, as Rossi glided between Imbrri and Talck, getting a smile from her engine and a hug from her older sister.
Talck continued to look at the Kitchen door, wondering what was up.
Pearl held the door open for Rusty and he rolled out carrying a rather large box.
Talck's eyes raised in interest as the rest of his train watched Rusty come out.
Rusty strained a bit as the box was rather heavy.
Pearl skated through the dining room to hold the door open for him.
Dinni got up with a look from his engine, who's arms were filled with Rossi. "Hey Rusty, can I help ya with that?" he asked.
"Nah, I got it..." Rusty said.
"C'mon Rusty," Pearl said with a friendly smile at Dinni.
Dinni shrugged and looked around to see where Buffy was, hoping she wouldn't find some job for him to do as he ducked back to his seat.
Rusty shifted his grip, "Okay Pearl, I got it, lets go."
Pearl took his couplings and he slowly pulled her out of the room.
Talck watched them, sighing again with the thought that Pearl was way beyond Rusty's league, she had to be a diesel's engine, who's else would she be.
Buffy looked at Ashley meaningfully. Rusty was willing to do nearly anything for Pearl. It was cute.
Ashley smiled and gave a small happy sigh, it was nice to see young love, she just wished she had someone.

There was a loud noise in the hallway, "Hey watch it steam train!" was heard by Talck's train. The tone of voice made Rossi cuddle closer to Talck.
"I'm working here," Rusty retorted, "Why don't you watch where you're going?"
Electra snarled at the steamer, "You better watch where you're going Rust Bucket, or you're liable to get Zapped!"
"You tell him Master Electra," a voice was heard in answer.
Dinni looked a bit confused as to whether it was a male or female.
"Shocking me while I'm working and can't defend myself... lotta pride in that..."
"Don't you talk to Master Electra about that steam train." a definitely female voice was heard.
Rusty rolled his eyes and strode away.
Electra huffed and entered into the dining room.
Ashley rolled her eyes, "oh no, here we go," she muttered to Buffy.
Talck's train stared at the Electric and his train, having never seen anything like it before.
Buffy sighed, "Hey guys," she said, "try and keep a low profile alright?"

Talck cuddled Rossi closer as the rest of the train turned away, not looking at the others.
Volta popped her head around the other components, "ooo, what've we got here?" she murmured to herself
Joule peeped around Volta, "what'cha lookin' at?"
Volta smiled, "just a few cars I haven't seen around recently."
Purse looked over as well, his eyes falling on Dinni and widening with appreciation.
Joule unhitched and rolled over to their table a bit curiously.
Xanni and Dinni found something very interesting on the table cloth to look at.
Imbrri and Talck seemed very interested in a conversation they were having, but Rossi was peeking out around Talck's arm at the components.
Volta and Purse followed suit.
Electra rolled over to HIS table, not really caring where his components went or what trouble they got into.
Joule peered down at Rossi
Purse moved right behind Dinni, waiting to be noticed.
Volta stood behind Joule.
Rossi looked up at the two much larger cars with wide eyes, not sure what they were, as they didn't look anything like the cars at her old yard.
Buffy rolled over to Electra's table, "Alright hun, what'll it be?"
Electra looked up at her, "what do you think, the same as always," he said rudely.
Ashley snorted from where she was in the doorway and rolled her eyes.
Purse, getting annoyed with being ignored by the car, stomped his skate loudly.
Xanni looked up and noticed her brother turning an unusual shade of pink, then at the Money truck, she struggled to hold back a smile.
"Down boy," Buffy said teasingly.
Electra rolled his eyes and looked at Wrench, "and they wonder why I don't have coaches," he muttered to her.
Wrench shrugged from where she was sitting.
Buffy smiled and skated off.
Purse, still not having achieved any attention from the car, decided to do something about it. He reached out and gently touched Dinni's back, making Dinni sit straight up and squeak again.
Volta looked over at the car, and smiled.
She turned back to Rossi, who was slowly carefully crawling out of Talck's grip.
"Purse!" Buffy scolded, "Behave!"
Purse just gave her a smile.
Electra sat up and scowled at Purse, "Purse!" he called out.
Purse ducked and looked eagerly over at Electra. He smiled and rolled over. "Yes master Electra?" he asked.
"Sit down," Electra said, in a tone that allowed no arguments.
Purse did just that.
Wrench shot Purse a Look.
Purse just shrugged and gave her a smile.

Rossi got out of Talck's arms without too much notice, and stood in front of Joule and Volta, gawping up at them
"Who's this?" Joule asked, bending down to get a better look at Rossi.
Rossi took a small step back. "Rossi," she whispered.
"What's that? I couldn't hear ya," Volta said, bending down as well.
"ROSSI!" she said a little louder, causing Volta to stand up, a look of surprise on her face, "Hey, the kid's got some spunk, I like that!"
Joule nodded, "Me too," she grinned at the little caboose.
Buffy skated out of the kitchen expertly balancing a tray for Electra and his components' lunch.
Electra stood up and moved out of Buffy's way as he headed over to see what the fuss was about at the other table.
Rossi had her back to him, and was slowly backing up.
She accidentally bumped into Electra, who lost his balance slowly, turned to look at her and sneered, "watch it Squirt," he said.
Rossi's eyes grew wide and looked near tears.

The next thing Electra knew, he was reeling backwards from a blow to his jaw.
Dinni standing over him, obviously furious, "don't EVER call her that again!"
Joule and Wrench gasped and Krupp stood up.
Buffy backed away.
Purse stood up "MASTER!!"
Volta's eyes widened.
Electra moved his jaw a bit, then glared at the car, "you should learn not to mess with Electric," he said, reaching out his hand and severely shocking Dinni.
"Electra!" Belle scolded, "None of that!" she dove to Dinni's aid.
Electra growled, "You saw what he did, Totally unprovoked."
Talck stood up and skated menacingly towards Electra, glaring at him, as Xanni grabbed Dinni, who was very out of it, and Imbrri pulled Rossi out of everyone's way, the little caboose was in tears.
"Talck, stop," Belle said.
Talck stopped, still glaring at the engine.
Electra sneered at him as Purse bustled over, "are you all right master??
"Belle, catch!" Buffy called tossing Belle a bottle.
Belle strode over to Electra.
Electra looked down at her.
"You gonna behave now?" Belle asked, taking the cover off the spray bottle.
Electra glared at her, "you wouldn't dare"
"I won't as long as you behave yourself."

Electra huffed and turned back to his table, so fast, that he nearly knocked over Purse.
Ashley sighed, at least that had been avoided
"Not in my kitchen," Buffy muttered.
Ashley nodded, "I was wondering when 'sparky' was gonna show up," she said sighing, seeing the little caboose was crying again.

Belle was on the floor next to Dinni.
Xanni held on to her brother, not noticing the currents of electricity passing through them, "is he going to be ok?" she asked Belle
Belle nodded, "Yes...he will be in a minute..."
Xanni nodded.
Dinni was blinking rapidly, trying to clear his head.
"Take it easy..." Belle soothed.
Xanni held her brother, "It's ok Din, you'll be ok," she said.
Belle nodded.
Dinni moaned, shook his head and sat up. "wha.. what happened."
"You just got shocked...you'll be fine..."
Dinni looked at his hands, they were shaking like crazy.
Talck came over and knelt down beside him, "you ok?" he asked.
Dinni nodded, "I guess," he said.
Belle set a hand on Dinni's back, "I know...it's a strange feeling, but it'll pass..."
Dinni nodded again, then put his head in his hands.
Talck looked over at Imbrri, who was trying to calm Rossi down.
Ashley came out of the kitchen with another cookie, "Here you are sweetie," she said
"I've been through it," Belle said softly.
Dinni looked up, "yeah, I'm starting to feel a bit better," he said.
Belle nodded, "You'll recover," she smiled, "But..."
Talck looked at her a bit worried, "but what?"

"what in Starlight's name possessed you to do that?"
Dinni blushed and looked down, the other members of his train looked away, embarrassed.
"well?"
Xanni looked over at Rossi, "THEY called her that," she whispered
"Who?"
Talck closed his eyes, "the diesels and coaches at our old yard," he said. Dinni sighed, "they said it to insult her, usually before they did something to her, pushed her around or something,"
"Oh I see," Belle said, "I don't think that Electra meant it like that... although he isn't the nicest engine."
Dinni nodded, "but hearing her be called that again....."
"I understand Dinni, but...don't do that again..."
Dinni nodded and sighed as he slowly stood up.

Poppa rolled into the dining room and Belle smiled up at him.
Talck sighed, he felt bad for the old steamer, he knew what it was like being ordered around by Diesels, he could only imagine how hard it must be for him.
Electra scoffed and rolled his eyes at the Steamer's entrance
Belle stood up and rolled over to Poppa.
"What happened around here?" Poppa asked.
She leaned over to him and told him softly.
Talck helped Dinni up as he and Xanni took him back to the table.
Imbrri brought the now quiet Rossi, who was again munching on a cookie.
Poppa looked over at Electra and rolled his eyes, then skated over to Talck's table.
Electra glared after Poppa, and turned his attentions to Purse, much to the component's delight
Poppa turned to Talck.
Talck looked up at the steamer, Dinni looked down at the table, feeling terrible for starting a fight.
"Now," Poppa said, "I think that for the rest of the afternoon you and your train can get used to being here and then...if you're ready tomorrow morning..."
Talck nodded, holding back a sigh of relief, he'd been worried the steamer had wanted to TALK to him. "I'm sure we'll be fine" he said
"alright," Poppa said, "Because then, if you're ready you can start work tomorrow."
Talck nodded, "sound's ok to me," he said.
Poppa nodded and smiled.
Talck frowned a bit, wondering why the steamer had been sent to tell him this and not the head engine. He figured the engine felt the job was below his status and so told the steamer to do it, but he was still confused.
Poppa stood up again, "Guess I'd better talk to Buffy if I want any lunch..." he said skating towards the door.
Talck looked over at Imbrri, he was confused, but didn't want to bother her with his worries.